Author: Jasmine Dotiwala

JASMINE, JAZZWAD, ESTELLE AND BOUNTY KILLER ON LION’S CORNER. JAMAICA.
So if you recall last week I experienced Caribbean fashion week in Kingston Jamaica and whilst there was fortunate to be able to hang out with my West London girl Estelle. After Estelle performed at day 1 of the fashion event we ended up at local nightclub Fiction where I expected lots of dancehall and soca like I used to enjoy at infamous Kingston nightspot Asylum. But alas Asylum no longer exists and the night at Fiction , whilst extremely fun, played mostly European dance music and which I’d come to JA to escape!

ESTELLE AND SEAN PAUL’S MANAGER AND MAN ABOUT TOWN STEVE WILSON AT FICTION NIGHTCLUB. JAMAICA.
Lovely Steve Wilson (Sean Paul’s manager and loyal friend) looked after us whilst out and about and we all had a great night with me ordering cranberry juice and often finding it spiked with vodka. I felt obliged to down a coffee liquor shot too. It was delicious and luckily afterwards I was still standing!.

PR LADY JESSICA HUIE, JASMINE AND ESTELLE AT FICTION NIGHTCLUB. JA.
The next morning Estelle and I hung out by the pool, took silly paparazzi pics of each other on our opposite facing balconies and had a drink on her hotel suite balcony (of some lovely Ethiopian honey wine which the islands legend-lovely Moira Morgan had brought me the day before). We had a good old chinwag about fashion and music. Stell said she had been to JA twice before and that it was ‘’always a big moment. I’ve never been here and it’s not been amazing. I come to Jamaica to work, play and chill. After all anything else would be a disservice!’’
We laughed at the stereotypes that the world tends to have about Jamaica being about only Bob Marley, reggae and weed. Stell shook her head in disbelief adding ‘’in my experience, it’s a stunning island of stunning people. There’s no trouble, if you don’t start nothing there won’t be nothing. I’ve never experienced the crazy side of the hood out here. There’s no threat’’.
We both agreed that we were very impressed by our 1st Caribbean fashion week with the audience looking ultra slick and so glam it could may well have been a New York fashion week audience! We also noted that the fashion lines from JA could easily make it on an international catwalk but that they needed to brand it better by dressing local acts that were big internationally in designs and with their athletes always being front and center of many sports that there was branding potential here too. With it being Jamaica’s 50-year celebrations all across the world coming up there’s no better time!
Stell wanted to shout out Brit designer Gavin Douglas who had shown his collection the previous night ‘’I did Rip the Runway with him in New York. He makes bodices and structured clothing so well. He also made stuff for my Shine tour. I didn’t originally know he was a Brit. My stylist then-Karen Binns-brought him to my attention’’.
Being all over fashion blogs for her edgy fashionable looks I asked Stell what piece of advice she would give to designers out here trying to break the big market internationally? She stated ‘’Pay attention to what women’s bodies look like in your city. Do stuff that’s gonna make the women of your city look good and then women worldwide see that. For example emphasize the tits and ass and small waists from JA’’.
Stell’s current fashion favourites and trends include peplums which she smiles ‘’gives women waists and beautifully accentuates waists’’. However she thoroughly disapproves of leopard print pants on dudes stating band LMFAO and Lil Wayne as big culprits.
She also pondered and wondered ‘’who dresses Jessie J?. She’s an incredible singer but is she dressing for stage or comfort? She may be comfy but doesn’t often look like it. I think you have to evolve. I’ve had my own mishaps. I’m sure I’ve had stage outfits that have affected my performance. I know now that they should be comfy. Also however an artist evolves the clothes have to be you-be real!’’

ESTELLE AND JASMINE AT THE LEGENDARY MARLEY FAMILY STUDIOS- TUFF GONG!.
We then jumped into the ride to go to the legendary Tuff Gong studios where she was rehearsing and whilst there we reminisced about Estelle’s journey so far and she revealed that her 4th studio album ‘’All of me’’ reached all her expectations and that she has started recording the 5th already. ‘‘The 4th album was to get people to understand who I am but now I have to evolve and do me. My fans have expectations and some still want another 1980 or American boy but now I do what the hell I want to do. That’s why people like me. I do me for me. Not other people. Let me live! LOL’’
Then we hurried ourselves up to get out for our day of adventure as Stell ended on the fact that she wanted to make feature films next. She revealed that she’s been auditioning like crazy. ‘‘The films are always music based. They send me quite meaty stuff in scripts and there have also been a few younger sister roles. So now I have to work on my American accent’’. (She’s been hanging out with film maker Noel Clarke in L.A so who knows what could be on the cards for her next!)

JASMINE, ESTELLE, BOUNTY KILLER, JAZZWAD AND FRIENDS STRIKE A POSE.
After rehearsal we drove up the road to Lion’s Corner where we hung out with superstar Bounty Killer as Estelle’s team shot some footage for one of her forthcoming new videos (no she never stops working!). Whilst chatting with him I heard someone yell ‘’Yo Jasmine!’’ I looked around timidly to spot none other than reggae producer extraordinaire Jazzwad hanging out too. We caught up and he revealed he’s been working on a lot of new music whilst moving from London to Jamaica and we will hear some of his new stuff with Bounty Killer very soon.

PR MAVEN JESSICA HUIE, JASMINE, ESTELLE AND BEENIE MAN ON HELLSHIRE BEACH.JAMAICA.
Straight after that we jumped into the ride to head down to Hellshire Beach where we met up with the don Beenie Man who was shooting a video of his own. The beach vibe was so amazing and like nothing I’ve experienced before.

JASMINE, JESS AND ESTELLE ENJOY FRESHLY FRIED AND SEASONED PARROT FISH AND RED SNAPPER STRAIGHT FROM THE JAMAICAN OCEAN.
The sound systems and DJ’s were jamming in the daylight, fresh fish was frying straight out of the sea, local families were splashing in and out of the water.

JASMINE, ESTELLE AND JESSICA HORSE AROUND ON HELLSHIRE BEACH. JA.
On the adjacent beach there was the biggest, wildest dancehall party kicking off with girls and guys all in their beachwear daggering and wining for all they were worth! We were in heaven!
As we ended the night Estelle popped her arms across my shoulders and smiled ‘’London I love you but I’m having a ball in Jamaica!. The recent gig I played at London’s Jazz Café made me realise I’m not crazy. It restored my faith in myself. Sometimes people say stuff to make you doubt yourself so it was good to see the affirmation at home. New york. L.A. London. Jamaica. I have that same touchstone moment in all these places and I feel lucky to call many home!”

JASMINE WITH THE LEGEND THAT IS A VERY DEMURE LADY SAW AT CARIBBEAN FASHION WEEK.

It was clear even before I got off the plane from Gatwick to Jamaica that Jamaican folk have style like no other! The passengers on my BA flight were testament to the fact.
Both elderly ladies and young toddlers with short Mohican hairstyles cut into their Afro’s. Mothers with bright red and orange hairstyles. Teenagers with ripped stone washed jeans. Men with their shades at the back of their heads. Blonde asymmetrical hairstyles. Bright talon like nails. Basically, my plane looked like a flying fashion show! And true to the dynamic Jamaican demeanor, when the plane touched down in Kingston, the plane broke out into rapturous applause and cries of jubilation. Yes-I knew I was about to have a great few days.
However I was stopped in my tracks as we queued up to go through customs as I suddenly heard my name called repeatedly over the tannoy. ‘‘Can passenger Jasmine Dotiwala who recently arrived on the British Airways flight make herself known to an officer!’’. Gulp. my host Jessica Huie and I exchanged horrified glances as I blurted ‘’honestly my passports with me and I’m not smuggling in anything’’. We gingerly approached the officials who basically smiled and informed us they were here to meet and greet me and ensure swift and easy transport through customs to our driver. Phew.

THE VERY IMPRESSIVE BREAKFAST MENU AT JUICI PATTI FAST FOOD IN KINGSTON, JA.

Accompanied by head of international PR Jessica Huie, we were here for Caribbean Fashion Week, which had the city of Kingston buzzing with designers, models and the very fabulous fashion industry big wigs attending. We had a few diva demands of our own and were staying at the hotel with the best pool in town-the Pegasus- where we ordered curry goat and rice on arrival, gobbled it down poolside before rushing to our rooms to change for the opening reception the same night at the uber classy Spanish Court hotel.
The reception gave me a good inkling that this crowd was not just stylish but classy and sophisticated with very graceful, beautiful Jamaican women smiling and holding very articulate conversation everywhere you looked.
The next morning was the opening press conference for all journalists both local and international (like London’s luxury fashion consultant David Jones and Jamaican Observer writer Novia McDonald-Whyte), where the main man Kingsley Cooper (CEO Pulse who organized CFW) welcomed everyone and told us all about the few days ahead, what to expect, and that this week was not simply about showing great designs but getting them out to an international market so that the designers could make a living. He laughed ‘’ its lovely to see fashion on the catwalk but when it comes off it needs to go to the bank!’’
Also in attendance was Shurwayne Winchester (soca musician from Trinidad and Tobago, who has twice won the Road March title). He took the mic at the podium and sang his appreciation LOL.

JASMINE WITH TRINI SOCA STAR SHURWAYNE AT THE CARIBBEAN FASHION WEEK OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE.

The thing I became quickly aware of was that the old fashioned stereotypes about what Kingston Jamaica was about are truly gone and buried. The often-misrepresented international idea that this city is a corrupt, violent nightmare couldn’t be further from the truth. We could’ve been at any major fashion week in New York or London the way the organization and visuals stood so far.
If you think about it, this big Caribbean island sets trends all across the western world. In western slanguage with patois infiltrating the English language, dances like the bogle, butterfly, willi bounce, thunderclap, Nuh Linga, Tek Weh Yourself and Daggering. Music from Bounty Killer, Beenie Man and more, drinks like rum punches, dancehall fashion that mainstream designers like D&G often imitate and more. Some say that now’s the time to get on board. I say we’ve all always been aboard-we just don’t realize it.

ONE OF MY FAVE DESIGNERS FROM CFW-FEMHEKA!

As we arrived at the Jamaican Indoor Sports Arena for day 1 of the show I noted that this was people watching on a higher scale. The audience was very ‘’sho-sho’’ and had made the ultimate effort to look uber fashionable. We had long classy regal gowns, short flesh baring dresses, ruffles, frills, coloured hair fashioned into hat shapes, Chrissy Lou heels of vertiginous nature and this was the fiercest most perfectly overdressed very expensive front row I had ever seen!. This front row was just as sexy as the collections we were there to see! Men in the front row were taking pics with their I Pads too.This is a crowd with much spending power that international designers are missing out on branding to big time!
I was sat sandwiched between Rita Marley and Lady Saw and was surprised to see that the real life persona of Lady Saw is really very ladylike, elegant and demure!

THIS DRESS TOOK MY BREATH AWAY!

The nightly shows were split into 3 main sections, each section with around 6 designers, broken up with free cocktails at the bar, which made for a long but fun evening. Designers that stood out for me on the first night were Sgfh by Kazz Forbes, which included short sexy colourful beach/ resort wear- in particular a stunning turquoise electric blue floaty dress. I also loved Femheka by Raxann Chin which was my fave- here I fell in lust with her striking long floaty Grecian one shouldered pretty princess gowns. We cheered patriotically for London based House of Oshae by Jhaniel Smith who had some gorgeous Organza outfits in neutral colours. We were debating whether we loved or hated Wilmas Original (by Wilma Stomp from Surinam) collection which showcased really clashing colours, prints and styles of structured jackets with clashing tartan waistcoats with boxy shorts.
As expected there were collections for the fuller figured woman-how could there not be? Kerry Kay by Kerry Christian more than proved that bigger framed ladies could work their sexy too-and the confident, swaggering models got massive cheers as they worked that catwalk runway!.
There was also a collection of glasses and specs which was quirky and sexy and had me feening to get my sexy secretary look on.
The models weren’t just stunning as expected, but their bodies were like racehorses. Curvy and strong in all the right places and they walked with such brilliant personalities. Haughty, jovial, feisty, elegant, nonchalant, perky-it was enchanting!

THE MODELS HAD BODIES LIKE RACEHORSES!

The men were particularly mesmerized at Olympia’s Fashion, which saw numerous very sexy red and gold swimwear.
Sea, sex, sun wasn’t just in the air but also the title of a collection by David André. There was much applause as white and Turquoise linen with cute ruffles and very clean lines resembling a St Barts crowd was shown.
The nice thing about the shows was that designers from all across the Caribbean were showing their designs in a collection of unity. Shelniel by Cassandra Motley from Barbados represented her island well as the Babans in the crowd cheered for her cute swimwear with jewel coloured fringing.
Not to be outdone next out the door was Hak Gwai By Lori Antoinette Williams from Trinidad who’s citrus coloured rain macs with cut out panels had the ladies oohing and ahhing.
There’s always much eagerness to see what veteran designer Meilling from Trinidad has to show and this was no exception as she shook up the stage with a live performance from a local music artist as her clothing featuring many flounces and peplums on white resort wear went down a treat and flounced along the runway.
One common theme amongst designers is long names and Bondig by Blondi by Dionne Richards was the next collection that made us sit up and look. Wild looks with bright orange and brocade. Shorts and crop tops. I noted miserably that you’d have to have a really skinny fat free figure to drop this collection but with its very over the top giant gold, studded denim I can imagine LA fashionista’s like Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton picking this up.
Finishing the show one night were Grammy Award-nominated Jamaican recording artist, Babycham and London’s very own Estelle.

TEAMUK PRINCESS ESTELLE PERFORMS TO HER FANS!

The Jamaican crowd were ecstatic at Babycham’s one hour long set during which they screamed, danced, shouting and became quite hysterical. I’d forgotten just how many hits he had! His set was wild and infectious with the crowd unable to stop bopping in their seats. When he brought out his wife Ophelia to help him sing his hits the audience went nuts at their energy. She who had never sung before and this being her 2nd ever show smacked it!

BOB MARLEYS DAUGHTER CEDELLA SHOWED OFF HER JAMAICA 2012 OLYPICS KIT.

Before Estelle came and closed the show the much-anticipated collection from bob Marley’s daughter Cedella Marley was shown. There was a long break before her set and we heard it was as she had insisted backstage that all the models change their hair and make up. (Diva!). It was worth it though once they re-emerged, the models were all hyped up and dancing along the catwalk. Models were throwing thunderbolts and gunshots as they rocked the Jamaica 2012 Olympic kit.
The crowd loved it with them all jamming in their seats, foghorns were being let off and blaring. Cedella had been asked to make the Jamaican Olympic teams kit with sports brand Puma so we saw the national flag colours Yellow, green and black on sexy dresses and swimwear. Marijuana leaf prints on sportswear (not sure how that will go down on official Olympic wear?) but it was a big moment! Cedella’s mother the great Rita Marley was sat next with us in the front row and they greeted each other with pride as cedilla took her final walk of jubilation. This range WILL sell!!
We ended the night all standing and singing along to Estelle who brought some international flavor with the crowd singing along to all her hits! Particularly her Euro dance sounding tracks, which the Jamaican crowd is really into judging by nightclub Fiction, which we attended that night!

MORE OF CEDELLA MARLEYS JAMAICA 2012 OLYMPICS TEAM KIT COLLECTION.

The next day I was given a surprise of my own as I was approached by a lady from Prive Blend called Claudine Forrester who introduced herself and informed me that she represented nail polish company Priti NYC in Jamaica and other territories and that they had mixed a nail colour in my honour called ‘’Jasmines Juice’’ after my VOICE column which apparently is popular out there! Well you could’ve knocked me down with a feather! My colour is a gorgeous classy egg shell princess pink- suitable with anything! They’re coming to London soon so you could have your own bespoke colour and name too!

The final night of shows brought out even glitzier crowds and excitement than the previous 2 days.
Gavin Douglas from the UK really impressed with his all black, ckean cut, very European lines which looked rich and sophisticated for a business woman with attitude!

JASMINE WITH PR MAVEN JESSICA HUIE AND UK DESIGNER AND VOGUE FAVOURITE-GAVIN DOUGLAS!
The Zadd and Eastman collection by Nigel Eastman and Ozman Khan was very well received. Set to a musical soundtrack of lovely French old skool black and white film music, the clothing showed regal rich textures juxtaposed with rainbow colours and was very wearable Parisian fare.

GRAMMY WINNING SUPERSTAR BRIAN MCKNIGHT REALLY IMPRESSED WITH HIS LIVE SET!

The whole event closed with 19 times Grammy nominated R&B superstar Brain McKnight who really put in a great set where he sang whilst playing both the piano and guitar at intervals. I was more intrigued to see if he would sing the P**** song that has caused him much Internet drama in recent weeks. Or whether he would acknowledge his twitter spats with fellow music stars like Chris Brown. Alas he didn’t and was the utmost professional.
The whole arena was turned out and screamed hard as he had them eating out the palm of his hand all night. With a lot of personality he was very entertaining and funny! He sang songs by other people who had inspired him like Michael Bolton, James Ingram, Stevie wonder and Michael Jackson.
When an eager fan in the crowd shouted pout a song title that they wanted Brian to sing he quipped “Its not request hour”. He continued “that’s my biggest fault-I can hear everything. In restaurants I hear folk say ‘huh he would never be with her if he couldn’t sing’ but I want to clarify that I have NEVER sung to a lady I am dating, my Mum said never use your talent for your own needs”. So ladies dating Brian wont get you serenaded!
He did clarify that to be serenaded by him you have to be following him on twitter and to prove the point he called out a twitter follower who he brought onstage to her utter hysteria and excitement. His fan, lucky lady Karisha was impressed.
He told us he felt that Spanish men with an Antonio Banderas accent can make anything sound sexy and proceeded to impersonate a sexy Spaniard.
I was surprised at how conversational and absolutely enrapturing this mans live show skills were-truly one of the best R&B shows I have seen!.
When he finished his set with the huge classic hit “Anytime”, the JA audience sing-along had to be heard to be believed- they sounded like a choir!
Can everyone in JA sing??

Everyone agreed that Caribbean Fashion Week 2012 exceeded its own expectations, with outstanding entertainment provided by Brian McKnight, Estelle, Baby Cham and Trinidad’s Shurwayne Winchester, enhancing a year which was particularly poignant as the 12th annual CFW came as Jamaica and Trinidad both celebrate fifty years of independence. 2012 saw a record-breaking number of designers on show, whether from the diaspora, such as Gavin Douglas, Shaco, or Tiger Lilly; or from within the region, such as the superb Meiling, Mutamba, or the Mushroom. The caliber of the collections on show was exceptional with UK fashion expert David Jones, credited with having taken Karen Millen from start-up to multi-million pound brand, blown away by the potential for Caribbean fashion on an international stage.

Some of the many highlights included Cedella Marley’s Olympic range for Puma and the Mission Catwalk finalists such as Crystal Powell and Ryan Chan. Brit boy Gavin Douglas (of Jamaican heritage) did Britain proud with his outstanding collection, emanating sophistication, drawing gasps from the audience and closing the show to applause.

The energy amongst the designers and attendees was electric, partly due to the fact that the Caribbean Export Development Agency, one of Caribbean Fashion week’s key sponsors, spent the weekend deciding on which handful of designers would be chosen to fly to London this August to stage a catwalk show at the plush Grosvenor Hotel as part of the African Caribbean Business Expo which aims to capitalize on the global spotlight on the Caribbean as a result of the Olympics, and raise awareness of the Caribbean’s creative industries which are ripe for investment and export opportunities. For the successful selected designers, it is a fantastic opportunity to launch their brand in an international market with the support of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) supporting and committed to driving regional growth.

CFW Founder Kingsley Cooper said, “ It’s been a great year and now we are intent on showing the fashion industry that we have design talent to compete in a global arena– our time is now.”

You don’t need to be the victor to be the ultimate winner. Everyone that has made it big has experienced bumps on the route to the top. Richard Branson didn’t do well in his education. Alicia keys and 50 cent were dropped numerous times by their record labels before making it. Destiny’s child lost their talent competition before hitting the big time. But the moral of the story is that those who persevere and don’t become disheartening and discouraged make it. It’s the old quote’’ slow and steady wins the race’’. The hare and the tortoise. The latest example of this is the British dance group Flawless who didn’t win Britain’s Got Talent but are now doing better than ever. This past weekend they performed alongside Kylie Minogue at Buckingham Palace for the Queens Jubilee and last weekend kicked off their UK tour with the English National Ballet at West London’s Hammersmith Apollo.
Both dance troupes brought their A GAME to the stage and performed a beautiful evening of dance, which included ballet, and street dance. The wonderful thing about this was as well as perform separate ballet and hip-hop dance sets, both groups performed together in each others skills. Also the great fact was that street dance fans that didn’t appreciate ballet were drawn in and got to engage with ballet, and ballet bods that weren’t really down with street dance were about to respect the art of street dance. It was an amazing recipe of mingling on a new level to witness.

I grew up dancing at ballet school with all my Royal Academy of Dancing ballet exams and taught ballet for a long time whilst simultaneously being involved in numerous street dance groups both on a street level where I was a break dancer (honestly-my street dancer name at the time was Minnie Minx inspired by Beano comics!). I also taught jazz at Pineapple Dance Studios as well as danced in hip-hop videos (real dance routines as opposed to sexy bikini dancing). So for me this was a dream come true type of show that I would be loved to have taken part in my self as a young dancer.
It was fascinating to see that the all male Flawless cast had trained up in balletstyles where they also actually lifted the all female English national ballet cast in pas de deux routines. It was mind blowing and looked so creative and new. The ballet ladies took on some street dance challenges too and whilst they were good-the boys most definitely piped them in the ‘’lets try each others techniques’’ battle.
Set in a school, the story focuses on dance school and a mad professor type that has a time machine. The dancers wear school uniform attire with sets that were amazingly creative with the school library, playground, dance studio and more.
The music was very diverse with classical pieces alongside modern day chart hits by Labrinth, Jay Z and Kanye, Cypress Hill, Maroon 5, Usher and more.

Post show, lead Flawless member Marlon told me that the show was put together in only 2 weeks training after a total of 6 weeksdiscussing how the show would be put together. Marlon explained that 1 person from both the (English national ballet) ENO and Flawless worked things out first. Marlon talked through the show and routines and then they nominated ‘team captains’ from both dance crews to choreograph the numbers.
Christian and Nathan were the dance captains from Flawless with Marlon as lead choreographer and Jenna Lee was the dance captain/ ENO choreographer.
Marlon also revealed that the male dancers from the ENO- came and helped on a couple of sessions on how to lift the ladies and helped with tips about where to hold them and so on. Marlon added that whilst this is an unforgettable experience for his group they did already have an appreciation and respect for ballet before this show.

The wonderful thing was that the show was great for all ages and classes. I loved the younger street dance styles, but there were also sections of old skool hip-hop dance sets too including steps and musicfrom eras of street dance.
A special shout out must go to the graphics team who really took the visuals to another level – a real arts fusion of dance, staging and visuals. Brilliantly present day and futuristic! For dates near you check out flawlessofficial.com . To see more backstage exclusive material from the show check out the flawless youtube channel flawless tube.
This was like a night at a West end musical and a full on ballet-a really worthwhile 23 hours viewing for anyone’s life! Do check out the uk tour as it sets off in the next few weeks until July 8th.

JASMINE WITH FAST GIRLS FILM PRODUCER DAMIAN JONES!
Next we hopped along to the film premiere for FAST GIRLS. The new film developed and produced by Damian Jones, featuring and written by our very own Noel Clarke.
The storyline centres on a street-smart runner who develops an intense rivalry with an equally ambitious wealthy young athlete. Locations in the film included Lee Valley Athletics Track, Crystal Palace, the Tate Modern and various London estates and nightclubs
Its so refreshing to see young actors in an urban London setting starring in a movie that has nothing to do with street issues or hip hop. Instead its topical in that it has an athletic theme, which is very apt now with the Olympics coming up. My mate Noel described the film as ‘’rocky but with girls in lycra!’’ Damian said that after working with Noel Clarke on Kidulthood and Adulthood, he approached Noel to write the script for the film. He added that every time he and Noel go out for dinner Noel is always on a healthy eating diet of salmon and veg (cos he’s bulking up for film parts) whilst he likes to tuck into a good ole plate of fish &chips LOL.
As Sarah cooper in Screendaily wrote ‘’It’s the first British film to have a mixed race girl as its central character, but not only that, five out of the six lead girls are black or mixed race. “Rest assured, that has never been done in this country,” says Clarke, who is becoming something of a champion for strong female characters, following his own film 4.3.2.1, and now this’’. It looks like Noel is single headedly changing the movie landscape for actors in the UK.
Damian revealed his biggest tip for getting into the film production industry is to get a driving licence as no producer will hire you without one as so many shoots are on set miles away in lonely desolate areas. He also added that working with Tupac on Gridlocked was an amazing experience for him and that Tupac was indeed a very young actor in the prime of his life.
If you have young people that need inspiring with some hot ladies in lycra in the run up to our Olympics next month then go check out FAST GIRLS this week!

TOBAGO FASHION WEEK!

DESIGNER ROMERO BRYAN WITH HIS £250,000 WHITE SWAROVSKI DRESS!
Even bullying birds, giant frogs and cayman alligators couldn’t stop me enjoying the 2nd annual Tobago fashion week!. Flown out via Monarch airline, (which I assumed, would be very Easyjet like and not fabulous at all,) I was pleasantly surprised to find it the easiest cross Atlantic Caribbean trip I’ve ever had. The premium Economy seats were more than comfy, the food was as good as Virgin Atlantics and the check in queues non-existent! A great experience!

On touch down at ANR Robinson airport in Tobago (named after Trinidad and Tobago’s 3rd president Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson) I was scooped up Tobago Tony who settled me into the extremely lush Tobago Plantation Villa’s adjacent to the new Magdalena Grand Hotel (formally The Hilton). This meant I had the best of both worlds. I was able to have my own self contained apartment with TV, air conditioning, balcony overlooking a lush manicured golf course and my own kitchen so I was able to cater for my own food needs. I was also able to amble 2 minutes next door to the Magdalena Hotel pool overlooking the ocean with its stunning pool, friendly and immediate staff (a rarity in the islands cos let’s face it-the staff out there don’t have a reputation for being feisty and stush for nothing!!) and take advantage of their restaurants for business meetings with a round of golf too!

THE LUSH TROPICAL GOLF COURSE AT TOBAGO PLANTATIONS!
Whilst the golf course was breath taking to look at and walk across it came with its own hazards. On the first day I was merrily minding my own business admiring the lush ocean and greenery whilst cutting across the course when a seagull swooped down at me screeching and squawking away hysterically. It then soared away and took a further 3 run up’s and used my head as a landing runway over and again as I freaked out arms flailing and screaming at it to shoo myself! When reiterating my experience to the other crews there from BET, VIBE magazine and local Trini press they laughed and suggested I must be mistaken. So the next day I had them walk with me (safety in numbers) and lo and behold the bully bird came and ran up upon us all causing much merriment! As if that wasn’t enough I also needed to look out for cayman alligators in the lakes on both sides of the path and giant bull frogs sitting on the narrow hump back bridge glaring at me!.(And if you’ve been reading my Juice for a while now you’ll recall that nature likes messing with me. from dolphin attacks to searing my legs underwater on rusty old anchors, I’ve had a few natural dramas LOL.

FASHION AT THE SHOW!
The Tobago Plantation location was buzzing like an annual summer fashion party as the designers, models, international press and organisers were all located on the same site so the pool on downtime was like a catwalk show in itself. I was glad that British designer Romero was out there with his mum Marcia who luckily gave me lots of good advice about how to behave in the Caribbean when talking to service staff (STUSH!) and to put absolutely everything in the fridge from sugar to sun lotion to crisps in case the sugar ants got it!-thanks Marcia!

MY TOBAGO PLANTATION VIEW FROM MY VILLA!
The fashion weekend began on the Friday night with a cocktail party at Basso’s Bar at the main Pigeon Point Heritage Park venue, where the TFW 2102 runway was officially opened on the waterfront with breath taking views of the sandy catwalk and moon dipping into the dark ocean in the background of the fashion showcase. The audience was then treated to a brief preview of a few pieces from some of the designers who participated in Fashion Week. The main catwalk shows days were Saturday and Sunday.

JASMINE ON THE NYLON POOL/ CORAL REEF TOUR!
In between the evening events we were treated to daytime boat cruises around the island, taken to Booku Reef and Coral Gardens) where we learnt a lot about the underwater fish as we watched their fascinating colours in their natural habitat. Our teachers were pair of very animated seamen called Captain Harry and his mate Michael who was on the mic. They answered all our embarrassing tourist questions. ‘‘Will they bite us’’? ‘‘What’s that fish called’’. ‘‘Are they following our boat?’’ ‘‘Will they sting us?’’ and so on. I learnt my lesson about not touching coral in the ocean years ago when Mariah and I had a swimming race where she advised me not to touch the rock that we were swimming towards. Not heading her advice I jumped up onto the ‘’rock’’ and had a lovely bright red rash all across the back of my thighs all summer long. Lesson learnt. Nothing touched. Our trip out to the nylon pool-a vast area of turquoise Blue Ocean that is so shallow that you can walk in it for miles was visually stunning. They revealed that each dip in this water took 10 years off your age. So technically I am now around 4 years old readers! Our adventure was finished with a fresh crab dumpling lunch on the shore.

Photo by Mark Gellineau for TrinidadLookbook.com.

So Show day 1 started with a bang. As we arrived they were on BMT and so final touches were still being made as they finished off building the stage. We laughed but hey as they say ‘’we’re on Caribbean time-it’s a vacation so no complication’’ (must be said in a laid back Trini accent!)
I was chuffed as I was sat in the very craved for front row seats alongside the other international press and celebs. There was a sudden flurry of excitement as the paparazzi started popping off their flashbulbs at a couple I didn’t recognize. I was informed it was American professional boxer Shane Mosley (IBF Lightweight Championship, WBC & WBA (Super) Welterweight Championships and WBC, WBA (Super) & The Ring Light Middleweight Championships). I could tell he was someone by the cut of his clothing, his manner and oh yes, the diamonds that were dripping from his very pretty lady friend who had her well endowed chest area out on a plate which had all the men mesmerised.
As usual for all events that I’ve attended in the Caribbean the night started with all asked to be upstanding for the singing of the national anthem. (Can you imagine if this were a law in the UK? -there would be riots!) . I smiled as I heard the anthems lyrics include the lines ‘”islands standing side by side in the deep blue sea”. The UK’S might say an ‘’island all alone that bullies the world with its grey, wet skies’’

My favourite collections from day 1 were by well known and respected designer Meiling whose clothing saw a great set of lovely easy long flowing summer style casual wear that would translate easily for the European clientele on a Sardinia beach.

Designer Geopal had loads of Kids strut their stuff in bright greens, lush blues, pink and purple. Once again we were impressed by the kids modeling-they can workkkkk it!

A great capsule collection made by Andrew Harris with his menswear modeled by strapping hunks (clever guy) had ladies in the crowd screaming and yelling with whoops of appreciation. There were white shirts juxtaposed with knee length schoolboy shorts and cute Stripy candy cane shorts. All which had a very European Puff daddy on the yacht feel.
Last year, many of the audience were gutted that they couldn’t immediately place orders for garments they’d seen on the catwalk so this year the event upped their game by holding daily sessions where fashionistas could place orders there and then at the fashion park! So if they saw a piece they liked on the runway they could purchase it the same evening. A show and a shop-heaven!
As well as being able to buy clothes immediately, the newer designers were also able to take advantage of major workshops, which were held during the day, by the more experienced designers like Meiling who were able to help guide and inform them a little more. New designers all agreed that the workshop with Meiling was very informative as the veteran designer explained many things about fashion and the industry that they had not known before. They added what was especially informative was information on the business aspect of fashion and getting into the export market.
TFW 2012 was organized by Designers United Stores (DUS), a non-profit group dedicated to enhancing the local fashion industry into a thriving and viable enterprise with entrepreneurial opportunities across many sectors. In its second year, (TFW 2012) continued the momentum of last year’s success by increasing the featured designers-around 24 this year. 99% of designers showing were from Trinidad and Tobago. I would suggest that in future to broaden the international appeal, at least 50% should be from foreign shores. Designers like the UK’s Romero Bryan for example who opened the show on day 2 clearly was a class above the rest in terms of couture. Mixing mainstream international designers with more local talent would help bring wider press awareness to the event.
120 young models were used to show off the clothing and these models were not only great clothes horses but unlike more western catwalk models had strong, athletic bodies that were exciting to watch in comparison to the usual skin and bone models we’re more used to on western catwalks. The models had character, personality, attitude and were so much fun to watch and admire.

JASMINE WITH 12 YEAR OLD MODEL JANELLE
I am always amazed at the number of young child models involved and how professional and composed they are. The kids designs are numerous and impressive. I caught up with 12-year-old model Janelle after the show. Janelle has been compared to a young Rihanna with her fair skin and light green eyes and is generally tipped for the top. Many may have concerns that she isn’t living her youth to its fullest but when chatting to her she seemed extremely grounded telling me she’s a tomboy at heart and not really a girly girl for the dresses she models. She eats what she wants and enjoys showing off the clothes. Originally from London her family moved to Tobago many years ago and now are thinking of moving to Paris to break Janelle into her next stage of her modelling career.

YOUNG MODELS WORKING THE CATWALK.
The final day-day 2 of the event saw the Caribbean paps get very excited by the arrival of Anya Ayoung Chee ( Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe 2008 and also the winner of Project Runway’s ninth season in 2011. ) who hundreds of attendees gathered around for photos and autographs.

JASMINE WITH ANYA.Photo credit- Maurice Goddard…

JASMINE WITH ROMERO BRYAN
Starting off the show on the final day was the UK designer Romero Bryan. I met Romero years ago when I was an MTV NEWS presenter in 1998 when he came to the Met hotel to try and get Destiny’s Child to see his dresses. I helped get his designs to the girl band and he continued his relentless career himself showing his wares on celebs from Kelis to Samantha Mumba and more recently supermodel Alek Wek. Romero’s designs blew everyone away last year but this year he took it to another level with his chiffon flowing silks. Long knee length cocktail dresses all mono chrome. All extremely Sexy. Classy. Breathtaking. Particularly one long white gown that was covered ion Swarovski crystals that he sells at £250,000! Gulp!

ROMERO BRYAN’S £250,000 DRESS!
Of course-fashion tastes vary and whilst I like to stay open minded about all looks and styles, there was one designers’ collection -Francis Hendy -that frankly contained so many garish coloured suits and such perplexing pairing that was so mismatched that frankly it made me wanna chuckup. I did however like a lot of Christian Boucards stuff- his leopard print chiffon capsule collection reminded me very much of early Roberto Cavalli designs. I also thought Hak Gui’s collection of bright rain macs with cutout backs was very cute and edgy and would work well here in the UK.

It was refreshing to see a couple of collections included for ‘’the fuller figured woman”. After all, it’s always like the elephant in the room when clothes are shown off on stick thin models so you have no idea how things will look on real women. Many real women and men modeled and it was great to see that the audience reacted to it well. If we had more shows like this our youngsters wouldn’t grow up with unhealthy body image issues of themselves!

I WASNT MAD AT THE MALE MODELS EITHER!
The show closed with a very dramatic final theatrical performance of a clothing collection by ‘‘the cloth’’, which saw models dance trancelike down the catwalk in a contemporary dance meets African dance set. A unique and dramatic way to close the weekend.
Tobago fashion week really showed that the islands are moving fast and will soon be playing on the much wider world stage when it comes to fashion. The American press was literally falling over themselves to get shots of the Jamaican style lycra clothing that we often see in Dalston Market. There’s no doubt that these small island designers should not be overlooked when it comes to European fashion showings too. A few summery style ethnic pieces could work well alongside any new york, Milan or London fashion week moment of fabulousness!.

For my final 2 days I visited a very important Trinidadian media big wigs home aptly called Coolo Breezo up in the Tobago Hills. It was a stunning house not very unlike the home of Richard Branson in Necker Island where I stayed in the past. All open plan to the winds and classically furnished with a swimming pool and tennis courts overlooking the island it truly was paradise. Perched atop Lambeau Hill Coolo Breezo is a 3 bedroom villa offering panoramic views across Tobago and aptly named for its constant Caribbean breeze. We spent a wonderful afternoon and evening here drinking Ciroc cocktails as we flitted between swimming in the pool and relaxing in the Jacuzzi. Next time I am in Tobago this is where I want to stay! (smile)…..
One afternoon I was flicking through the guest guidance book and laughed hard as I read ‘’ we know that some visitors to the Caribbean assume that all West Indians move around in a permanent haze of marijuana smoke. Though some people do indulge this is hardly the reality. Marijuana is illegal to grow, sell or possess. Do not consider taking drugs out of the country under any circumstances. Customs officers have seen all the methods of concealment. A long stint in a T& T prison is not the joyous experience you might think it is ‘’ LOLOL!
Roll on 2013 and Tobago Fashion Week!-it will be a contender on the world stage very soon-mark my words!

MARTHA WASH, DAVID GEST, MAGICIAN DYNAMO , JASMINE and PEABO BRYSON.
David Gest’s annual birthday parties are now legendary. An American concert promoter and media personality, perhaps best known for his turbulent marriage to Liza Minnelli, his friendship with The Jackson 5 and appearance on reality television show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.

DAVID GEST, MAGICIAN DYNAMO, JASMINE and PEABO BRYSON.
David was nearly 60 this past month and parties and lives life as if he’s still a 20 year old! It’s fascinating to watch him as he hosts an event, totally in the thick of it with his mate and organiser Imad Handi, calm and friendly to all his guests in attendance. He really is one of the last greats alongside other showbiz legends like Benny Medina and Oprah.
This year David threw a joint birthday party alongside his friend, Eastenders actress Patsy Palmer (who turned 40), at the Grand Connaught Rooms in the West End. It was dubbed their joint ‘Music & magic’ birthday celebration to help raise thousands of pounds for ‘me&dee charity’ which included performances by 12 soul music legends and magician Dynamo.
A host of their celebrity friends attended on the night and everywhere you looked were household names.

JASMINE WITH EASTENDER’S ACTOR CHUCKY VENN.
A couple of tables at the front sat practically every Eastenders cast member I can think of. Kim Fox (Tameka Empsom) was hilarious as she ran in as late as I was just in time for dinner. Ray Dixon (chucky Venn) was there with his gorgeous lady Zoë-they were celebrating their first night out together since the birth of their new baby-congrats guys! . Ian (Adam Woodyatt ) was with his wifey and looked so happy and stress free I nearly didn’t recognise him! Denise (Diane Parish) looked very sophisticated in her frock and they were easily the most raucous, fun, sing a long tables in the house! Patsy palmer looked gorgeous and a far cry from her shabby grubby look on screen. She resembled a princess in her long fitted ball gown and hair in long flowing waves.

EASTENDER’S ACTRESS TAMEKA EMPSOM AND JASMINE.
Vanessa Feltz was there with her TV host beau Ben-they were dancing up a storm. Vanessa looked lovely in a gold fitted dress and even kicked her shoes off to get her 2-step on. Later in the eving she won the raffle too!
Magician Dynamo impressed the Eastenders cast and all the other celebs with his usual spooky magic tricks. He’d also not seen his girl friend for a few days and so both were very loved up during the evening- aw bless!
Loose women’s Carol McGiffin had the young lads with a flava for a MILF heads turning all night. I myself couldn’t stop staring at singer Candi Staton- so gorgeous and pretty at the grand old age of 72 still looked stunning-I can only imagine how amazing she looked in her youth!
The evening began with a cocktail reception (which my late ass missed). Next was a sumptuous 3 course meal which was so delicious guests at my table were sneaking in extra desserts!
Next came the celebrity auction where amongst other things that were auctioned included Lady Gaga’s hot pants, I looked around and tried to clock all the potential pop perv’s in the house lol. Next up was a signed letter and Bodyguard disc by Whitney Houston. There was a lot of excitement as Michael Jacksons contract for a live event went for a grand. A grand!? I know! Blasphemy! I wish I were loaded. I would’ve paid a lot more!
Meanwhile, my favourite performer of the night was Peabo Bryson (‘A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme)’ & ‘Beauty & The Beast’), peabo can really SANNNNG! His vocals were so strong! How can the elders singing strength be as strong as ever whilst current day stars all complain about weak voices etc?

JASMINE WITH THE GORGEOUS CANDI STATON.
The stunning Candi Staton sashayed as sexily as ever with her sweet outfit onstage to sing You Got The Love’ & ‘Young Hearts Run Free’.
Billy Paul sang one of my favourite classics ever- ‘Me & Mrs Jones’, and then there was much fanfare for Martha Reeves & The Vandellas (‘Dancing In The Streets’ & ‘Nowhere To Run’), which had the whole crowd sweating and jumping.
Martha Wash of the Weather Girls (‘Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)’ turned the ballroom into an Ibiza style rave as she belted out her classics with the crowds fists pumping the air.

DAVID GEST’S BEST MATE/ MAN ABOUT TOWN-IMAD HANDI
Later we were also treated to more motown legends/ Davids mates (who do this for him all cos they love and appreciate his presence in their careers and lives for free!) ….Kim Weston (‘It Takes Two’, ‘Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)’ & Helpless), The Flirtations (‘Nothing But A Heartache’), Dorothy Moore (‘Misty Blue’ & ‘I Believe You’), Brenda Holloway (‘Every Little Bit Hurts’, ‘You’ve Made Me So Very Happy’ & ‘When I’ Gone’), Eddie Holman (‘Hey There Lonely Girl’). Sheila Ferguson (‘When Will I See You Again’, ‘Year Of Decision’ & ‘Dirty Ol’ Man’) and G.C. Cameron, former lead singer of The Spinners (‘It’s A Shame’ & ‘It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday’). The musical side of the night was complete with a 14-piece band performing live with the soul legends.
According to Gest: “At this stage in life it’s not so much about celebrating a birthday as getting together with great friends and helping a good cause. Patsy and I have been friends for years and we thought if we could help put a smile on the faces of some people who are less fortunate than us that makes this whole evening worthwhile.”
And that my friends is my mantra-the more you give the more you shall receive!

JASMINE WITH ESTELLE.
There was much excitement in the air as West Londoner Estelle stopped through London on her European tour and did a couple of nights at the Jazz Café. Opening the night for her was mutual friend/songwriter/singer Roses Gabor who hit the stage with her feisty no nonsense attitude and told the audience from the start that they better get involved as she wasn’t suffering any fools. They immediately obeyed and as she sang track after track of her infectious quite grimy dub step tracks with a soulful sound and they sang alongside her, jumping and clapping-it was like a mini festival up in Camden town!.

JASMINE WITH ROSES!
Roses had the crowd sweaty and hot-(just the way Estelle likes em)-before jumping offstage to take a bevvy of photos with fans.

Next up-the main girl of the night-miss Estelle Swaray slinked down the legendary venues staircase and onstage wearing her obligatory high designer heels, a pencil skirt and low cleavage-teasing top, with her hair in an old skool jazz singer style turban, a la Nina Simone. Her fans were ridiculously excited and the whops and cheers were strong and consistent throughout her set, which contained many of her hits from ‘’no substitute love’’ and ‘’break my heart’’. Her remix version of the D’Banj hit ‘‘International’’ had a carnival spirit flowing in the venue with everyone shocking out’’.
It was ‘’thank you’’ that had the whole packed housed as silent as a church though as she sang the song with haunting passion, immense emotion and a powerful vocal strength not seen often. Her voice sounded strong. And dangerous. it made me as her mate want to cuss out the man that had brought forth such pain and heartbreak into her life. On the other hand I celebrated the fact that she made some financial gain by writing a great song that many of her fans could relate to and use to lessen their pain.
At the end she explained to the audience that for the past 4 years she had had to sing ‘’American boy’’ nearly everyday of her life. She laughed and quipped she wasn’t complaining as before that the song had been her first hit ‘’1980’’. The audience were more than happy to help her sing along to every word of the now ridiculously well known global classic.

JASMINE WITH PR GURU VANESSA AMADI, ESTELLE, EDDIE KADI AND ADIDAS HEAD HONCHO PAOLA LUCKTUNG!.
At one point in the night Stell decided to shout out a few of her friends in the audience including myself, Paola, DJ Big Ted, her mate Ahmed and best friend PR goddess Vanessa Amadi…. she said (and clearly this proves she might be able to sing but is crap at maths) ‘’ I want to shout out some of my friends that have been rolling with me for 15 years and more’’. Well how in the world is that possible when some of us aren’t even that old! I am eternally 12!
Backstage afterwards myself and Adidas head honcho Paola Lucktung went to pay our respects as did DJ Big Ted, comedian Eddie Kadi and many of her friends. I was impressed with how svelte Estelle’s waist has become- that’s that healthy eating American ish right there. I will next be seeing her in Jamaica in a few weeks where no doubt our bikinis will be in full effect so I’m off to buy lots of fresh salad ingredients now so as not to embarrass myself.

This week I also caught up with Cassius Henry –one of the current finalists in the BBC’S The voice who was being put through his paces something hard-core on the outskirts of London. I caught up with him just as he had finished dance rehearsals at the end of a crazy week rehearsing with his mentor Jessie J. He revealed that they were just finishing up rehearsing a group song together, which he was really excited about. He also said his week had been going amazingly with hard work and hard play with the whole of his group going off bowling as a way to relax and as a team bonding exercise.
Cassius excitedly told me ‘’Jessie J told me a lot about her own experiences and advised me to stop being tense and be myself and bring the real me out onstage, she keeps telling me ‘’Cassius let go’’.
But all the hard graft, constant live TV and being under the spotlight have started taking a toll on his vocals. He admitted ‘’I’ve Had problems with my voice recently with laryngitis, I was worried I was losing my vocal strength- but Jessie has encouraged me to stay mentally positive’’.
Many will know that Cassius lost his brother years ago to heart failure which threw him off his path for a while so its very admirable that he is now back on track and picking up his dream where he left off. He’s obviously had a few breaks in the past but now he’s come to close unfinished business. His brother now gives him strength, ‘‘before I hit the stage I carry around a key ring with a photo of my lil brother cos this is all in memory of him and he’ll get me through it. I have a strong team, they tell me all the time ‘you’ve got to be on your a game’.
Having hosted a live national huge show in my own past I know how terrifying live TV is. You get one shot to get it right. Under the hot lights, buzzing studio and tense production crew you either bring your A game or step aside.
Cassius agreed ‘’live before a show I can’t relax, I’m like a panther pacing around’’
Cassius praises the lord for his mentor Jessie’s guidance ‘’Jessie controls all our set and ideas and I really like her ideas a lot-her imaginations really good. She’s like an A&R person. She gets to know us as people and helps keep us real’’’.
Cassius hopes that we are all behind him as he tells me ‘’because even though I had a tiny taste at fame I’m now ready to take the baton and run with it fast’’. Alas Cassius didnt make the finals-but i have no doubt this isnt the last we’ll hear from him….after all, remember Sony once dropped both 50 Cent and Alicia Keys!

So this year my birthday party was nuts. My birthday is actually in January but I’ve never let that stop me having extra parties throughout the year. As it’s early in January and most people are away, skint, depressed or partied out, I always leave my party until a few weeks later. Hence many think my birthday is in February. This year a high profile pal of mine wanted to tour the UK with some comedy and we agreed I would delay my party to coincide with their dates. Long story short that didn’t happen but I then threw caution to the wind and settled on a May bank holiday for my party and yes it was still billed as my ‘’birthday’’. I’m like the queen darlings. I have 2 birthdays-this one was merely the public one lol.

JASMINE WITH DANIELLE BROWN AND HER RUN DMC CREW
I like to work hard and play hard and this year decided that my party theme should excite the men cos usually they hate me for strange costume demands like ‘’Motown’’ which was last years theme. So this year the men were enthusiastic and came with their best Slick Rick, Eazy E, LL Cool J and RUN DMC looks whilst the girls, who initially struggled with the costume theme, came as various versions of Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj, JLo, TLC and more.

SLICK RICK AND EAZY E CAME TOO.
Subconsciously I think I wanted to prove a point by throwing a party in Mayfair in the West End and letting all my mates turn up in tracksuits, jeans and trainers just to spite the usual doormen politics of dress sense issues. The other part of me was also concerned that if the police saw droves of people heading into town wearing tracksuits they might predict a riot and shut us down lol!.

PR DONETTE JODIE DALMEDA (SONYBMG / VIRGIN UNITE) ,JASMINE,BBC’S JAY DAVIDSON, COOKIE CREW’S COOKIE.
I had really gone to town with my look and the day before had celeb tanner to the stars James Read (based at the Sanderson) to spray paint me brown). Next I popped into celeb hair salon ThreeV in Notting Hill Gate to have celeb stylists Julien and Melissa put a ton of hair extensions in my head to emulate the wild curly haired Puerto Rican chics from back in the day. next celeb facial Nuz Shugaa gave me one of her unique facials and a mani-pedi and finally I topped it off with my make up done by make up girl in demand in London town- miss Kristina Theordoris!

ADIDAS HQ FIRST LADIES AKUA, PAOLA AND AISHA.
Finally Adidas bigwig Paola Lucktung sent me off with Adidas lady Aisha Badmus to personalise an Adidas Jeremy Scott dress with bling for me. They also suggested a 2nd outfit, which we turned into really corny yes amazing his & her’s matching white firebird tracksuits.
I had a bit of a nightmare pre-party as one of the club barmen nicked my phone-not a good look just before your party starts. Then the club decided to charge such high prices for drinks that were ludicrous. So bad that a few LONDON360 TV crew hired a tuk tuk rickshaw, had it ride them to the local Weatherspoons, downed 5 shots each-and got the tuk tuk back to the party-all at a cost less than one round at the club. Oh dear. Sorry guys!
Furthermore the club then told us at the start of the night that their credit card machine didn’t work. So not only could most of us not purchase drinks we were pretty mad. But like a trooper I grit my teeth and partied on.

JASMINE WITH MOBO CEO KANYA KING
MOBO CEO Kanya King dropped a mini black dress and silver cropped jacket. Scary Spice’s sister and actress Danielle Brown and her girls crew came as female RUN DMC’s with bright red pants and Chrissy Lou shoes-too fly- and looked like they were going to break out into a full out routine.

WARNER MUSIC’S TAPONESWA AND UK HIPHOP LEGEND RODNEY P!.
80’s female UK hip-hop groups Cookie (Cookie Crew) rocked her 20-year-old leather goose jacket with fur, former SonyBMG/ Virginunite PR guru Jodie Dalmeda, designer Wale Adeyemi and BBC marketing donette Jay Davidson all rocked matching Adidas trackies. Celeb DJ/actor DJ Jarren came as Rev Run. Rapper Rodney P rocked his old skool ‘fight the power’ leather jacket. Former Eastenders actress Preeya Kalidas came JLo-esque with her mate singer Cherry V who came in a skin-tight red cat suit and bright yellow jacket. We had 2 conscious brothers who came as Afrika Bambata and an Egyptian pharaoh. Young un’s looked at ‘Bambataa’ and screamed ‘’who’s the juju man with juju stick-I’m not going near him!’’ lol.

JASMINE WITH PRINCESS NYAH AKA LIL KIM!
Stylist to the stars Richard Shoyemi came as the ‘’American dream’’ in his stars and stripes look. Warner Music’s Taponeswa dropped a gangsta boss lady look but soon had her heels off, as the dancing got too wild.
There were a few Vanilla Ice’s and Marky Marks- sorry white dudes-you coulda come as Eminem but I guess he doesn’t really have a style of any sort. Oh well. **Shrugs shoulders**
My old music partner in rhyme SonyBMG’s Jennifer Mills wore her authentic bad boy jacket from the original bad boy days. Former head of SonyBMG international and marketing Mervyn Lyn took it all in from his observation spot and praised Richie P’s set.

THE #TEAMUK COOL KIDS
Choreographer / dancer Royston and Duane came in old b boy sweats whilst grime goddess Princess Nyah came as Lil Kim in a long blonde wig and had men drooling over her all night as usual.
Comedienne Gina Yashere was hilarious as she leapt into the front of every picture being taken. Who else could have captured the night but the UK’s best-known photographer for music- mister Paul H.
The triple threat ladies Adidas crew (Paola, Aisha and Akua) brought the room to a stand still as they entered in their white musical note trackies and then we had the room roaring again as I stepped out of my 1st look (a fierce Jeremy scott for adidas dress with diamond sleeves) into my all white 2nd trackie (beautifully embellished by the hand and lock team that Adidas use).

ME AND SOME OF MY GIRLS IN MY OUTFIT NUMBER 1-JEREMY SCOTT FOR ADIDAS BLING SLEEVE DRESS.
Even though the party wasn’t formally an Adidas event by the time all the guests arrived you could’ve shot an Adidas ad in there. Everyone had pulled out their oldest most classic 3 stripe looks and the venue looked amazing! The Adidas team even had huge tall cut out RUN DMC images for guests to stick their heads through. Like the ones on Brighton pier but more classic lol!

ME AND MY CAKE-TWITTER-COS APPARENTLY I’M ADDICTED!@
My partner had warned me that my cake would be a surprise. I assumed this meant he’s dug up some horrific old photo via my girl friends to have put on the cake but I was wrong. In his wrath at my constant addiction to twitter he put the thing that I apparently love most on my cake- the twitter logo! Surprised? I was!
DJ’s on the night were my big brother and former Rampage sound system member Richie P who flung down the best set from the 80’s and 90’s including Onyx, Lost Boyz and a crazy aerobic jungle set which had the club jumping and sweating so badly we had to have a slow session in the first 23 hours to get our breath back.

JASMINE AND FRIENDS.
Next up was DJ Kayper. Kayper is tinier than me. A pretty, slight Asian girl that can scratch, mix and drop a hot track like certain video chics drop the line ‘’I’m a model’’. She is fascinating to watch…that is if you could have seen her. The clubs DJ system isn’t really very well thought out for a hip-hop vibe so you can barely see a 6 foot man behind the decks let alone a 5 foot female so I kinda defeated the purposed there. But hey you live and you learn.

JASMINE WITH CAPITALFM’S ENTERTAINMENT HOST KEVIN HUGHES.
Immediately after Kaypers set girl group Rogue surprised me with an old skool rendition of Salt & Pepa’s Push It before launching into their own single ‘’Girls Anthem’’.
Finally the big man himself DJ Richie F- son of the legendary Mike Sweeny from RJS sound system took the decks and properly smashed it up. You have club dj’s, you have party dj’s and then you have a dj that just gets with the crowd to work them up into a frenzy the likes you’ve not seen since the Bad Boy party days. Richie. Tore. The. Spot. Down. With nuff call and response tracks like Lauryn Hill’s Lost Ones and Puffy and Mase hits, many party guests including me had lost our voices the following day. it was a night full of great vibes, non-stop dancing and outfits that had to be seen to be believed!
There goes another ode to hip-hop-the culture that nurtured and made me what I am today-! See you again same time next year!

JASMINE JOINS HOST TRISH ADUDU ON THE REAL TALK DEBATE SHOW ON OHTV WITH BOE THE COMEDIAN AND MP DAWN BUTLER.
What a week. Never let it be said that I don’t live up to my own work ethos of work hard, play hard!
This past few days have seen me attend East London’s Streetfest where Wookie, Radi Dadi, Rattus Rattus (Urban Nerds), Knicker Bocker Corey (Urban Nerds),Spectrum City, Jon Burgerman, Project G, Stylinquents and more were doing their thing.
The same night I had my annual theme party!-more on that next week!
The following day all roads led to dance and spoken word impresario Jonzi D’s annual Breakin Convention jam at Sadlers Wells Theatre, the next night was the One World Media Awards and frankly my dears I am now pooped!
I also managed to fit in a night at a screening of the new Noel Clarke film Fast Girls and another screening for the Price of Kings series which is fascinating and a must see for all you folks that want to be leaders.

JASMINE WITH JOANNA-(PRICE OF KINGS PRODUCER) AND JODIE (PR)
The ‘Price of kings: Shimon Peres’ is a fascinating documentary, which captures the human side of what it takes to be a leader.
The first film was on Yasser Arafat and the third will be CostaRicanpresident Oscar Arias. These are all intimate portraits that reveal both the political and personal sacrifices made by leaders like President Peres and the impact on them and their families. The beautiful thing is you don’t need to be a history boffin to enjoy this is series (there are 12 leaders in theprice of Kings series) as it has a range of exclusive, insightful interviews with those that were there when these historical events took place and the man himself. Its good British documentary making- informative, thought provoking, beautifully shot, and emotional. I went with my femalepower players Jay Davidson (BBC marketing), Cookie (Cookie Crew rap collective), Terri Walker (singer song writer) to go support our girl JodieDalmeda who is running the PR on the series of films.

JASMINE WITH TERRI, JAY AND COOKIE AT THE PRICE OF KINGS PREMIERE.
Later that night the cast and crew went to the Haymarket Hotel for post-premier cocktails where a fewviolet martini’s went down a treat as I congratulated film maker Joanna Natasegara,(Producer/Director) on the inspirational work from which I would be noting and remembering for life some of the aspirational quotes within the movie. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of leadership. www.priceofkings.com
Next I joined a panel that included Boe the comedian and former MP Dawn Butler on the REAL TALK show (OHTV-SKY 199) hosted by the lovely Trisha Adudu. We debated the Olympics, young peoples access to negativity on the internet, whether London needs a black mayor, natural hair VS fake hair and whether we’d prefer to be beautiful and hated or ugly and loved. You know I could rant for hours about all of these subjects so it was hell for me to keep it short and sweet but we managed to get to the end without scratching each other’s eyes out. The big thing that came out of that was that both myself and Dawn Butler are considering running for mayor in the future LOL.

Finally we all got our comedy loving side together to attend a celebration acknowledging 21 years since the BBC TV show the REAL MCKOY began.
The invite promised an audience with all the shows original cast, producers and now black entertainment scene legends! it was a full nice turn out at the new BBC 8million cost building in town in their lush all bells and whistles theatre screening room.
As we entered I note it was like an old skool reunion with folks In the house who included Angie Le Mar, Kojo, Eddie Kadi, Eddie Nestor, police bigwig Leroy Logan, comedian Slim, DJ Daddy Ernie and many more. Our hosts Brenda Emmanus and Eddie Nestor had to deal with a very lively crowd who knew moreabout the legendary show than one of the BBC bigwigs who got all his facts about where and how the show started wrong-oops-fire the staffer that briefed that man! (clanger numero uno).The main man that runs BBC TV -our big man- mister Pat Younge came and did a welcome introduction where he urged the audience to e mail him TV show ideas. Straight away amongst the attendee’s was a discontented murmur as a few folks heckled ”we have, with no response”.Awkward moment number 2. And readers, to be perfectly frank from there on in whilst it was a brilliant night with great memories about the Real McCoy show with fascinating anecdotes from the cast and backstage crew , there were a lot of awkward moments one after another as cast and audience berated the BBC about not supporting black programming and not being up to date with the modern British cultural world. It was great to see the main cast including actors Felix Dexter, Meerya Syal, Judith Jacobs, Curtis Walker, Leo Chester (now Mohamed) and the producers all bantering with each other about their memories and current journeys. However, Ima keep it real. It was a BIG night and funny as hell. But the BBC bashing was dominant. The general feeling was that “Nothing in TV has really changed for black talent and black TV audiences in 20 years on the BBC”. I feel like I came to a party and we were trashing the hosts house. Someone suggested that if all the ethnic influencers and talent in this room united to form a company it could be huge. I agreed but know that only 1% of us sitting in that room would actually stick to our commitment in making it work whilst the other 99% would be all talking hecklers. I’d leave my full time paid job daily at 6pm to work on my own company for no money for months if others joined me. But who is really going to believe in themselves enough to do that? ….Luckily Angie Le Mar showed an exclusive trailer of her new TV show “The Ryan sisters” about 3 black sisters which looked brilliant!

JASMINE WITH CURTIS WALKER, JUDITH JACOBS AND BBC’S MICHELLE MATHERSON.
Part 2 of the evening showcased new faces with new heat coming like comedian/ radio host Kojo, comedian /radio host Eddie Kadi, Comedy promoting legend John Summit and comedienne/actress/writer Angie Le Mar all talking about doing it their way after being rejected by various mainstream broadcasters and establishments over the years. Kojo has made his own DVD from his sell out show at Hackney Empire. Eddie has sold out the 02!. Angie has had her work seen on stage, heard on radio and televised. All without mainstream corporate help.
I have to say from the internal staff point of view I have a lot of admiration for development and talent executive Michelle Matherson who has been at the broadcaster for years and must have seen the in’s and out’s with working with a corporation that does have to play it very safe and the internal politics must be horrible to deal with day in and day out. (I bet she couldtell some stories!). She must have to see a lot in her drive to bring in diverse talent.
In May the BBC Comedy teams/TV Collective and more are working with new comedy talent to find the stars of the future…….get in touch with the tv collective online. Like voting-if you don’t act you can’t change anything. If you’re not in the game you can’t even be a player let alone be a winner!!
See http://thetvcollective.org for more info……….if u don’t take your opportunities and responsibility for your own careers, who will?

JASMINE WITH KIRAN SHARMA!
Londoners! Its Voting day! I will be making time today to go and vote and make my voice and existence stand for something. I have relatives in countries where people die to fight for their vote and voices to be heard and spend hours queuing to make their cross on a ballot paper to bring in their leader of choice. Think I’m going to take this for granted? Hell no! Today I will vote! So many whine about their lives, the government, politicians and their community but when it comes to making a stand and being counted if you don’t vote- you have no right to complain.

After voting I’m popping down to OHTV to be a TV panel guest alongside MP Dawn Butler where the theme is…. you guessed it-voting LOL! (To be honest I’ll be glad when this London Mayoral Election is over- YOUTHVOTELONDON did sign up 600 new young voters so it’s a slower start than I’d hoped, but at least the car has pulled off the kerb. I dream that the momentum and understanding will grow until we have an Obama to call our own.

This week when I haven’t been yelling at the politicians in live TV studios, I attended a UK premiere of The Price of Kings: Film 2, Shimon Peres, and a 21 year celebration to mark the success and nostalgia of the old BBC ethnic sitcom –the Real McCoy.

I also caught up with a very understated lady who I think should be brought to your attention. Her name is Kiran Sharma and she is one of the movers and shakers that make the music industry run at a higher level.

Kiran has worked on all manners of music events and books artistes for everything from spectacular private parties to festivals and concerts, through her company, KIKIT Entertainment. She is also the manager of Prince. Yes, you read correctly. The legend that is Prince Rogers Nelson; the American singer, songwriter, musician, producer and actor.

Kiran was shaped early on by her days in her birthplace of Luton, which was “a bit rough and tough”, until she was eight. At the age of nine, due to her father’s work commitments, the family moved to Norwich which she recalls as being completely different. ‘’At that time ethnic minorities in Norwich made up a tiny percentage and there was hardly anyone to relate to. I was the only Indian kid in my school and got bullied for a couple of years.”

I imagine it’s this early need for self-defence and survival that has made Kiran into the tough cookie and astute businesswoman she is today. She could just as easily have turned into the bullied underclass, but she didn’t let it subdue her. She fought, toughened up and grew to be a bit of a tomboy.

So this early grounding shaped her character and she’s able to roll in the best of both worlds and adapt to all societies and circumstances.

Due to her traditional Indian background, Kiran’s education was more academic and less artistic. She was expected to get a corporate job, so did an engineering degree majoring in marketing “to please everyone” although she would have preferred to do art.

After graduating, Kiran worked in a very corporate environment and despite enjoying the challenge, she decided it wasn’t really for her and went through all the career stages as fast as possible. From being a marketing assistant for a small magazine to account director for an international marketing agency, Kiran ticked all the boxes for her parents and peers before casting her career net even wider.

She explored how she could merge her knowledge of business with her love of music and the arts. She knew that one day she wanted to work with established artistes, but had no expectations and just took the plunge to launch KIKIT Entertainment in 2005.

Kiran helped out a new unsigned American singer, managed a few events, put together the tours and generally worked crazy hard to build her experience and reputation. Thus came her early connections with acts like Martha High, Maceo Parker, Annie Lennox, Leon Ware, Mint Condition and Prince.

For two years she worked two jobs simultaneously, working her day job until 6pm then working on KIKIT until the early hours. She admits she had no time for relationships and family, but her time was well spent as she was so passionate and was having so much fun working on building a future, which would make it worth it. ‘’I was working with acts that had been in the industry for over 20 years and got to learn loads from them,’’ she enthuses her eyes twinkling with memories.

Of course I had to ask Kiran why she thinks Prince gravitated towards her in a business capacity in this later part of his career. “Well you would have to ask him that,” she judiciously responds.

She went on to explain that she first met him when she booked him for a London event, but that they didn’t even talk, (lesson 1, ladies — no groupie behaviour!), but eventually that all changed. “I was touring with Maceo Parker briefly and we met a few times backstage, but it was a friend who finally introduced us.”

TV companies and magazines really should be focusing more on characters like Kiran. Features about how a small town girl grows up to manage one of the biggest names in the world? The challenges of running a multi-million dollar business? How to earn the respect of male-peers? Its only logical as Kiran is one of the few higher ranked women to achieve success in the music industry.

“Everyone has this perception that successful women are hard-nosed. I realised that just being myself worked for me,” she tells me with a smile.

She knows that her ethnicity has of course aided her career and life values. ‘’My background and ethnic values mean I understand the concept of total respect for all people,” she says.

“Indian people tend to have a respect level for all other cultures and ultimately respect hard work. These things are instilled in us at kids. My granddad used to say to his four daughters, ‘I can’t give you a house or money, but I can give you an education. No one can take that away from you.’ Close family helps too. If I needed support tomorrow I know my family are there. It makes everything a little less scary.”

As with many big power players, Kiran’s attention to charity and giving back plays a dominant part in her work. Many of her music acts began performing at charity events like Save the Children and Kiran became increasingly involved in various campaigns. Today, she a trustee of Arms Around a Child, which supports kids affected by HIV and AIDS in India and Africa and builds orphanages for abandoned children.

Kiran has also been nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year in the Asian Woman of Achievement Awards 2012, which takes place on May 16 2012 at London’s Park Lane Hilton.

“Its great to be nominated alongside these women. The Asian Woman of Achievement Awards is such an important platform for British Asian women and I am hugely honoured to be shortlisted alongside such exceptional ladies. I met a few of them recently and they’re all fascinating and I felt proud to be in their company. One thing in common we all had was our similar experiences as women of Asian background. If you can come out of this industry doing something you love and can sustain your lifestyle, and you’ve managed to do it in a way that’s respectful to you, your culture and all around, then its a winning situation.”

Her entrepreneurial flair doesn’t just end with KIKIT Entertainment. Kiran is also launching KIKIT Ventures, which creates investment portfolios for artistes.

Now that’s business balls with a female chromosome!

JASMINE WITH SIOBHAN BENITA – ON MAY 3RD SHE GETS MY VOTE!
April 14th came and all roads led to the ministry of sound in Southwark for YOUTH VOTE LONDON where London’s mayoral candidates Siobhan Benita, Brian Paddock, Ken Livingstone and more came out to meet and greet and talk to the resembled young people.

JASMINE WITH ”RED-UNCONNECTED TO THE YOUTH” KEN.
The stage was hosted by spoken word artist dean Atta, mtv/choicefm’s kat and other ambassadors from the sprit of London awards, uprise and represent radio.
The red carpet was outdoors and saw a huge branding board with all the logos of all of London’s big youth organisations like Live / Livity-Somewhere To…, Catch22, lives not knives, enthuse youth, enterprise lab, press for change and more emblazoned across it where celebs were all clamouring to be snapped by the papps.

JASMINE WITH BRIAN PADDICK- A VERY NICE INFORMED MAN!
Many of these youth org’s also had stands inside where youth could get engaged and on board with the hundreds of initiatives that are on offer to London’s young people- who said there’s nothing out there for them? There was so much I couldn’t keep up! There were voting booths and ballot box’s teaching youth how to physically make a vote, there was a stage where dj’s and music acts were all interacting with the crowd and the outdoor area was awash with networkers and politicians.

JASMINE WITH EASTENDERS ‘NASTY NIC’-NOT SURE WHAT HE WAS DOING THERE? (AND I DONT THINK HE WAS EITHER LOL!)
Of course socially aware pro-social music star Sway attended as did West London act princess Nyah (who came to speak to the kids and did a freestyle too) and comedian Kevin j who spoke to the bloggers and press about why young people should use their vote to make a change for themselves.
Bizarrely ex eastenders actors nasty nick cotton and actress Tanya franks attended too. All the candidates arrived sporadically during the day so when Siobhan and Kev arrived most of the youth were on the red carpet interviewing and snapping away at them. But then they all relocated indoors to hear them speak so that by the time poor Brian Paddick arrived there were minimal red carpet press and I think he didn’t feel any love. poor guy.
Tory affiliated Shaun bailey was heckled a lot for speaking ‘’on behalf of the African Caribbean community in the uk’’.
Siobhan Benita got the most cheers and applause and talked about issues that the audience all really seemed to feel and broke out into spontaneous applause for. I wish Siobhan had started her campaign earlier as I think with the right championing on board co-signing her she could have actually made a dent. I will still be making my first vote Siobhan and my 2nd Boris. Siobhan is mostly definitely filling a gap by speaking for the under represented young of this capital city but Boris has always honoured his commitments by the policies I have felt an allegiance for and unlike Ken does care what the people say in my humble opinion.

Next an old friend, ex SonyBMG head honcho Mervyn Lynn called to see if I wanted to bring a group of friends along to the very swanky prestigious LAWRENCE OLIVER AWARDS.

JASMINE ON THE OLIVIER AWARDS RED CARPET PRE-SHOW WITH A SUPERSTAR THAT SHE’S HAD TO CROP OUT FOR SILLY REASONS.
The Olivier awards honor achievements in London plays, musicals, dance and opera. Winners in most categories are chosen by a panel of stage professionals and theatergoers.
Now whenever folks ask things like this I always look at my phone quizzically? I mean? Is the pope catholic? Is the British sky grey? is puff daddy the richest rap icon 2012? Of course I played nonchalant but was inside jumping up and down with glee. However many years I am in this industry every invite is an honour and I never take any for granted. It a blessing to work hard and play hard in this game. And Mervyn has always worked so hard-its nice to see nothing changes as he was still working lol. So I scooped up a few of my nearest and dearest (after a very OTT drama about whether one of our male friends had left his black tie outfit at his country house) and there we were walking down the longest, poshest most fabulous red carpet I’ve seen this side of the Atlantic. Make no mistake-this night at the royal opera house was about the biggest names in theatre and stage. The fact that a whole road –Drury lane- in Covent Garden was rolled over with plush red carpet was testament to the fact.
As we walked the practically 100 metre long red carpet at every turn of the head were TV crews, walls of paparazzi and household name celebs being interviewed. It was so exciting to run shoulders from the bigwigs of a parallel world! It was, as the OLIVIER AWARDS sponsors Mastercard always say ‘’priceless!’’
What I didn’t mention to anyone was that a mate and I had just jumped out of our jeans and into our posh frocks in the royal opera toilets and luckily had managed to dump all our clothes and bags in the cloakroom after sneaking past the backstage security guard, otherwise we would’ve had to have carried bags and coats down the red carpet and that my dears would have been frankly mortifying!
So we’re in! (Said like a bank robber that just snuck into the World Bank). The liveried doormen check out our tickets and directed us upstairs to the bar where we are surrounded by other fabulous folk in black tie and gowns and we sipped champagne.
Darlings I must mention that all theatre functions are a hoot to attend. When you see a ‘’black tie’’ instruction on an invite in the music world, to many it’s about flesh baring usually vulgar outfits that leave hardly anything to the imagination. Every theatre event I’ve ever attended I don’t worry about a fabulous frock. Theatre folk like quirky, eccentric outfits. They’re all uber creative people who wouldn’t be seen dead in a boring old frock from your average designer. They like to stand out and show off their uniqueness. So knowing I couldn’t compete with that I wore the most formal black floor length ball gown that I own lol.
We were soon ushered into our seats and eve though I’ve attended ballet performances many a time at this venue back when I was studying for my degree I still took a breath as I looked around at the breath-taking architecture and glitz of the auditorium and wondered at the fabulous theatre history and tradition in this quite recently regenerated building.
Before you knew the show was off to a very fitting start and from here on in 3 whole hours flew by in a magical blur. We had performances from practically every west end musical to entertain us in between the awards categories. These included performances by We Will Rock You featuring Queen guitarist Brian May, Ronan Keating and Kimberley Walsh singing No Matter What, Siobhan McCarthy and Maria Friedman coming together in tribute to Tim Rice and Elaine Paige rolling back the years to captivate the Royal Opera House with Don’t Cry For Me Argentina. It was breath taking!

Furthermore, name after name just kept popping out onto stage as the already ultra fab attendees even gasped at certain names who included Stars from the worlds of film (James McAvoy, Jonny Lee Miller), television (Zach Braff, Jack Davenport), music (Will Young, Ronan Keating) and theatre came together to see the prestigious awards handed out.
Matilda The Musical – The musical is based on Roald Dahl’s tale of an extraordinary little girl from an ordinary family.-created history, winning seven awards, more than any show has ever won before-so of course you know my next mission is to try and beg, blag or hustle tickets for this asap!
Also among the accolades the RSC production picked up were Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical for Bertie Carvel and Best Actress in a Musical for the quartet of young stars playing the title character.
One of my favourite highlights was a performance by The Royal Ballet from Wayne McGregor’s Limen to mark ballet goddess Dame Monica Mason’s Olivier Special Award,
In summary, we laughed, clapped, sang, jumped around in our seats with excitement all evening. Even the interval was fabulous as we were served champagne in our seats!
Oh the good life lol. Post show we were guided into the reception where an abundance of starters and small bowls of scrumptious food were served-our fave? The sausage and mash! The drinks continued flowing well into the early hours as we chatted to the big and bold of this world that were so open to strangers speaking to them. Acting celebs were happy to chat, mingle and pose for pics with all the attendees. There were no haughty, awkward folks-in fact a much nicer crowd that the music world which can be very egotistical. In fact, its refreshing to see an area that many think is inaccessible to ethnic minorities and others minority groups that is so openly embracing. I know a lot more minorities enjoy the theatre now than ever before with so much focus being put on the arts so this can only get better.
Ball gowns, champagne and theatre world luvvies…..just another day in the life of a media hustler- and the Diva Dotiwala Diaries.

JASMINE WITH CONOR MAYNARD AT THE #NANDO’SSECRETGIG
Easter weekend came and went in a flurry of fights over Easter eggs, a near 3 hour service in church on good Friday, a lovely trip up north for a fun family day in Telford (Telford! you know I usually don’t frequent anywhere north of Euston-in fact if I leave London its usually on plane outta the UK! LOL), and lots of friends time.

Straight after that I filled a day off mid-week with as much fun as I could arrange from morning till night.
I started at the Adidas UK HQ where with the triple threat that are Paola, Aisha and Akua we created outfits for my impending annual themed party-this year which is themed old skool hip-hop. Usually my parties excite the ladies and distress the men with themes like underwear, pyjama wear and Motown so this year I thought I’d let the men have some fun by channeling their inner ll cool j, slick rick and puffy daddy looks. the ladies as you can imagine have been distressing about the theme as some think old skool hip-hop ladies just weren’t sexy or too sexy- oh well-you can never win them all.
Needless to say, this years party will be up there with the rest. If you’ve attended before you know what to expect.

JASMINE WITH CLEO SOL AT THE #NANDO’SSECRETGIG
Next I met a friend my lunch after which we went to see the first ever UK screening of Plan B’s movie ILL MANORS.
After hearing his single of the same title I was intrigued to see how he would translate this into film and he did an amazing job.
It was heart breaking, ugly and horrific….that’s going to make viewers sit up and understand that for once Revolver isn’t exploiting urban street culture and just making an urban street film full of violence, but a film that makes viewers recognize why Britain’s youth are so dis-engaged.
It made me sit up and realize that whilst the HEAD OF MTV BASE production for many years I may have been part of the problem. Encouraging youth to live bout a fantasized life that’s not reality perhaps wasn’t my greatest moment.
Plan B’s movie gives examples of many stories that happen daily across the capital that many aren’t aware of or choose to turn their backs on. I was also hardened to many stories like this in the past but the movie left me feeling sick to the core and I was shook and troubled for many hours after watching it.
A very well written, beautifully shot piece of work- a big congrats to Ben and all involved.
Ben really is an act that is reflective of rock & roll stars from yesteryear that really believed in standing for something.
He has a voice and is not afraid to be opinionated and articulate. A great moment for us all if we can understand what this film is truly attempting to explain to us all.

JASMINE WITH CLEMENT MARFO’S MAIN MAN! AT THE #NANDO’SSECRETGIG
Next I zoomed up to Nando’s in high street Kensington where they had put on a secret gig showcasing a few about to blow acts from the scene. On arrival the venue was heaving with a variety of celebs, bloggers, journo’s, taste makers, fashionista’s, music industry folk-generally a really cool, uber trendy crowd that were enjoying the free drinks and Nando’s food that the restaurant had put on. It’s a very clever way of getting positive branding with the youth. They were tweeting in droves and supporting new music all in one fell swoop. DJ’s melody kane and manny Norte were on the decks, the networking was in full swing and the evening was buzzing early on.
In the house enjoying the new music were DJ Jarren C, music producer Dready (So Solid/ Busta Rhymes) , music manager Carla Marie, actress music act Preeya Kalidas, film director Mo, music act Master Shortie and more. Above and Beyond’s management’s Daren Dixon had tings well organized as act after act took to the stage in between the food being passed around. so it was a feast for the eyes , ears and mouth!. Cleo sol was looking well, extremely tall in vertiginous heels and sang with gusto-her vocals sounding much stronger than when I’ve heard her in the past. The guys were particularly excited by her too lol. Cleo mentioned to me before hitting the stage that she was readying her 2 new singles and album with a video shoot next week but wouldn’t reveal any titles yet.

JASMINE WITH THE MAC TWINS AT THE #NANDO’SSECRETGIG
Next up were Clement Marfo & The Frontline who are a seven-piece diverse collective from South London led by the charismatic Clement. Born to Ghanaian parents and raised in Kingston, South London, Clement has become a phenomenon in the underground British grime scene but I don’t think they sound grimy at all. I think they sound like a great hip hop/ rock hybrid and could do huge at music festivals with their energy and dynamic hooks. Clement told me years ago at the MOBO AWARDS that he would be doing big things and here he was, working hard to make it happen.
Finally onstage was a young man that has been dubbed continuously by press as the ‘UK Justin Bieber’. His name is Conor Maynard and according to press reports may be the world’s next big teen star. With close to 30,000 twitter followers already and over 3 million views on his YouTube Channel, 2012 could well be Conor’s year. I have to disagree that he sounds like Justin Beiber tough. I would suggest he is more Justin Timberlake, which is better. bieber has a kiddie corny sound. Timberlake is melodic with swag and charisma and harder sounds. Conor was a sweetheart- he spoke to me backstage before he went on and had beautiful manners and energy. He told me he was nervous but excited as he looked around the noisy venue. he surely did his thing onstage though and thankfully sounded exactly the same live as he does on record proving he does have a voice. Will he be the next top male pop heartthrob? Only time, hard graft, a solid team and his fan base will tell.
Now I’m off to scare my new LONDON360 team for series 3 who started this week. They’re about to get on a rollercoaster they’re going to love and hate that will catapult them into their media careers. Lets go!

JASMINE WITH ESTELLE- A WOMAN THAT WOULDN’T BE HELD BACK BY INDUSTRY BULLSHIT.
2 years ago I was on twitter asking where all the females in our entertainment industry were as the men had taken over. Now don’t get me wrong-we all long a bit of male empowerment but after months and months of seeing acts like Tinie, Tinchy, Dizzee, Chipmunk, Lethal B, Sway and others in the UK music charts and on our TV screens and radios I had to wonder where all the ladies were.
Seems I spoke not soon enough as within the last year record labels and artist managers have been signing up the females as if the last woman on earth was about to ovulate and we had to save the egg for the continuation of mankind!

JASMINE WITH LEONA- A LADY THATS BEEN PUSHING HARD ON THE SCENE WELL BEFORE X FACTOR!
With the hard fight that grafters like Estelle and Leona Lewis have had over the last few years and finally making it we saw the females start to come through thick and fast for this decade. And believe me these ladies slogged for years on the music underground scene at talent shows and more!
Estelle, who is in town with her new tour and music next month, was at every underground hiphop jam on the mic competing with the guys years ago. she was signed and let go but fought through and made her mark bigger in the States. shes ambitious- and talented- a great role model in an industry that had traditionally spurned darker skinned females.
Leona’s brother Bradley used to be one of my editors at MTV, he often mentioned his lil sister entering talent shows and practising her craft hard at home singing countless Mariah classics to sharpen her vocal instrument.
I recall the same issues when female acts like All Saints, Spice Girls, the Honeyz, Cleopatra, Truce, Mis-Teeq and more were trying to make it years ago. None of us know who will make it. Some folk lay money on acts making it whilst others that were relegated to the pop chart bin ended up being superstars. When the roc told me about Tierra Marie being the new roc princess they had Rihanna tag along like the understudy- 7 years down Riri put in the work and she’s here to stay. For now. Honestly, if a female music star has stood the test of time and sold as many records as she is gossiped about in the press she is made of tough winning material.

JASMINE WITH BRATT- A YOUNG LADY THATS FINALLY BEEN SIGNED AFTER PROVING HERSELF FOR A WHILE!
So it’s always interesting to see this happen in cycles. In the latest resurgence of the female music star race to the finish all my manager friends started signing both female soloists and groups. We saw talent like Miss Bratt, Princess Nyah, Cleo Sol, Delilah, Ruby Goe and others start to make their presence known. Boy band members from JLS (Ortise) were signing girl groups (Vida), former UK rappers ( Jean Paul Esq) was managing girl band Rogue, song writer Carla Marie was managing female trio RD and had them signed to Polydor. Next trio stooshe came along and have signed to Warner Music. Just this fortnight Dominique Young Unique signed a global deal with Sony music. Oh-and where’s Yasmin?
Often females get signed, become divas, don’t have the right synergy with their teams and record labels that thrive on all their insecurities and then are quickly dropped again. Female acts cost more money. they require hair and make up at all times as well as a wardrobe fit for a princess. This alone can be the make or break factor as to whether a record company head decides if someone is in the ‘’hot’’ or ‘’drop’’ category.

JASMINE WITH PREEYA-A LADY THAT KEEPS PUSHING FOR EVERY ANSPECT OF HER DOUBLE PRONGED ACTING AND MUSIC CAREER- A FIGHTER WITH PERSEVERENCE!
Also women in music face the same barriers that professional women in any career face-the biological time clock and its affect on our lives.
Ms Dynamite came, saw, conquered and then left to be a mother. It’s tough to comeback when you’ve been off the scene for so long.
My mate writer Hattie Collins did a feature in the guardian a couple of years ago about females in the UK music industry. She noted ‘’The last major British female rap outfit to make it big was Cookie Crew, the group that scored a top 10 hit with Rok Da House in 1988 and even achieved the impossible: success in the US. But Debbie Pryce, one half of the band, says British women can make it in hip-hop if they want it enough. “Challenges? What challenges?” she says. “We reigned supreme. Nothing deterred us. It wasn’t about being held back because we were girls. If you want to make it [in hip-hop], you have to love it and understand its true culture.”
And here is where I fear the buck stops. So many young females in the scene today don’t give us the impression they are musicians in the real sense of the word. They like to dress up and be sexy like Tulisa N -Duz, but do you get the impression they know the first thing about how to read music, play a musical instrument, how to structure a song without a producer or songwriter? Not often.
When I hang out with male new acts they talk to me about their music and desires for their music to affect social change. Many females talk to me about their fashion or hair issues. I know both are equally talented but the ladies don’t do themselves any favours by highlighting stereotypical images that they are already struggling to lose. It’s even worse when musicians are in a mixed band. Whether I’ve worked with the Fugees or N-Dubz its always the men that are ready at their call time and the lone females that have loads of crew waiting for hours as they get their hair and make up right. Why don’t they factor in their time deadlines?
Really it comes down to whether they have the X Factor. Do they light up a room with their presence or are they the wallflower? Are they genuinely amazing artists like Amy and Adele or are they playing up to the record labels pressure of being ‘’quirky’’ like Jessie J.
I attend numerous music industry functions and all the young female acts still with something to prove are always trying to outdo each other in the sexy stakes. On the other hand females with nothing to prove roll in wearing their jeans and tee’s and still look hot. Sexy can only sell records for so long. When the time catches up with you where will you be? Ask yourself this question as a measure of your current status- If you have a public profile, can people immediately break into a chorus of your hit?. if not–then you have failed already. Start your career strong now. Work!

JASMINE WITH LIL KIM A TRUE DOUBLE THREAT!
It’s a very tough world for females in the industry. But the main understanding that will carry you to longevity and success is to do YOU. Alicia Keys was dropped many times before making it. I know acts that had thousands spent on grooming and developing them and then 2 years in they decided they didn’t really want it anymore!? Honestly it’s a crazy career to want but if you want it-BE GREAT at what you do. Lil Kim wasn’t just a sexy, vulgar, controversial rapper-she had verses, bars and flow to match. The fate card is very important in whether you will or won’t make it but hard work added to talent and luck will guarantee success. Ladies-may the force be with you!.

JASMINE WITH ROADMAN BOXER DEREK CHISORA.
So we’re all looking forwards to this weekends bank holiday, but last week all the hype across the UK was the arrival of the Young Money Cash Money young prince Drake, who had the biggest show of his life so far at his concert at the 02 arena. On arrival I was surprised at the very young, mixed pop crowd swarming around the venue. I wondered if I had walked into a one-direction concert on the wrong date. But after seeing the merchandise stand-selling drake clothing I reassured myself I was truly at the right show. The t-shirts were £30 whilst the hoodies were over £100! And lots of fans had bought them!. How crazy is that? In this day where people have to look after every penny £100 is deemed an appropriate price for a basic hoodie with a logo? I mean if it were designed by a designer fashion house with a label and cut that reflected the quality then fine but a basic hoodie with a logo? Drake’s team are having a laugh-with an extremely heavier and heavier bank balance. With his label Cash Money Records and EMI Music having settled EMI’s recent lawsuit & their financial disputes I guess they now have even more dollars being flung around like its Christmas at the strip club. Oh well. I guess if you’re going to buy it you’re the fool right?
Once my people and I had got over that initial shock we wondered over to Nandos for a quick pre-show chicken thigh only to see drakes record label person jumping the queue with her plea to the waitress that drake needed to eat before he went onstage and her order was worth well over £100. Oh how we laughed as we chipped in with ‘’our order for 6 people is going to come to well over £100 too so stay in ya lane’’. (Having written that now I feel that perhaps the £100 hoodie is worth more than 20 minutes in Nandos lol).
With the distant echo’s of support act Labrinth doing his thing onstage we hurried up to the Adidas VIP BOX where as usual the movers and shakers of the scene (including Olympic hopeful gymnast Louis smith) were all congregated with fancy food and beverages. In my excitement I kept dipping the tortilla chips into salsa and guacamole and accidently had it flying all over the place including my blouse and the plush carpet- which a very zealous adidas big wig immediately jumped down to wipe clean. Sorry. You can take the girl out of the hood…..
As we were getting our drinks ready and catching up David Haye’s best mate, boxer Derek Chisora walked by our box and spotted someone he knew so popped in to say hi. I was feeling very awkward. After all I –like most other red-blooded women- feel like I have a loyalty to David Haye. After all he is a fine specimen. I said hi to Derek as my mate totally threw me under the bus by exclaiming in a loud voice ‘’ooh that’s very controversial jasmine-after all you LOVE David Haye’’. awkward.com.

Once the show started I admit I was expecting bigger and sexier staging as I see Rihanna as being a female equivalent of drake in popularity and her staging at her recent tour was extremely expensive and elaborate but Drakes was very simple with a bank, DJ and lighting graphics backboard. I was also disappointed that live Drakes breath control needs a lot of work. He couldn’t keep up with his own studio vocals and was performing to a backing tape of his own vocals so often you saw the moment where his mic isn’t to his mouth but the lyrics are still heard.
The style of the show was very basic but his fans didn’t seem to mind. He staggered monotonously through song after song and of course when his big hits made an appearance the crowd was sporadically excited. I can’t really take him seriously though when I consider his middle class happy educated background and then see his stage character swear like snoop with nearly as many m****** f****** thrown around throughout his set. What’s that about?
The energy did seem to pick up in the 2nd half of the show with the lighting back board throwing out some much more dynamic images.
I know that I have a ride or die loyalty to jay z after working alongside him around the planet for so many years but I have to say it REALLY grated me when Drake started pointing out fans in the crowd by describing what they were wearing. Every hip-hop fan knows that’s a classic jay z live strand. Jay does it for 3 minutes max. Drake did it for around 20 mins. He might as well as have shouted out the pink nail polish on my feet too, I’m sure he pointed out nearly every one of the 10,000 fans in the arena.
However I did warm to him towards the end where he seemed more humble as he revealed this was the biggest show of his career so far and he had felt very nervous before going onstage.
After spending so many years watching British acts trying to be on the Americans jock strap, It was ironic to hear Drake continuously shout out UK acts Sneakbo (twice), Wiley and Shola Ama. He also hollered at Florence and The Machine twice and pointed them out watching in the central sound desk.
As we left we spotted young fans all swarming around sex tape Tulisa in the box next door to us.

JASMINE WITH ANGIE LE MAR AND JOSIE D’ARBY ON BBC RADIO LONDON.

Saturday night was spent on the radio in the Ladies lounge on BBC Radio London with comedienne and script writer Angie Le Mar where myself and TV presenter/actress Josie D’Arby debated all the weeks latest news including woman beater Denis Waterman, the Trayvon Martyn tragedy and many other subjects.

Its only a few days from the massive #Youth vote London registration rally at Ministry of Sound where thousands of young people will register to have their voices heard so they can vote on may 3rd in the London mayoral elections. so many movers and shakers have lent their support for the change.
MARK FEEHILY from WESTLIFE said, “Unless we change things, they just stay the same. Voting gives you the power to change things you care about like flaws in the education system, or a law about something that’s unfair. Stand up and be counted”. LONDON360 ambassador ALESHA DIXON enthused ‘‘this is a fantastic opportunity for young people to shape their destiny! It’s simple, come along on 14th April and get registered to vote. No vote means no voice!’’. Musician and actor Ashley ‘Bashy’ Thomas stated ‘’I think that young people are the future and one of the most influential groups in the world. Young people need opportunities, which once given are usually greeted with open arms. They have innovative ideas and often view the world from a different standpoint. Young journalists are able to give a non-bias opinion and have the skills and knowledge to engage with people their own age and older’’. West London’s finest ESTELLE urged ‘’It’s important that young people vote because again this is your life…this is your world. The world isn’t for the people over the hill, the world isn’t for the people that have passed the point and have lived their prime of their lives…the world is for the young ones. It is important that you get out there and make a decision and what your future is going to look like. It’s very important’’. UK champ TINIE TEMPAH stated ‘”Lead the change and register to vote on 14th March. Be part of the solution, use your vote – Young people are the future and have the power to make a change!”. North London’s finest WRETCH32 said ‘’ “This is an amazing chance for you to change your future. It’s easy, come along on 14th April and get registered to vote. Make sure you vote and get the chance to share your voice!”. Grime heart throb Scorcher added ‘’”I want to see young people come out on 14th April and register and then use the power of their vote to create the changes they want and need. All over the world we see young people fighting for their right to vote and have a voice. We’re so lucky to have that right and should use it to create a better future.’’ Radio 1’s DJ Scott Mills explained ‘’ “I think for me as a Radio 1 DJ, a lot of the tweets and texts we get in to the radio station are: ‘ah if I vote, what’s the point, it’s not going to make a difference, a lot of young people don’t really care,’ I think it’s important for you to care, for you to get there (to vote) it’s really easy. You’re the future, the next generation, you are, pretty much, forming how the country will run, so it’s more important than you think it is.”
New kids on the block Rizzle Kicks understood ‘’Young people aren’t engaged in politics, I think, because the involvement of youth in politics isn’t that evident, a lot of young people feel like they have no connection with politics, it’s like a grown-up thing to do and they don’t have much of a voice. “It’s quite like for a young person, it’s quite off-putting, you see these big court meetings, it seems quite dull, “Young people should vote in the upcoming election because if a certain part of society isn’t heard, if a large proportion of the voting public choose not to do so, it will become evident in who is chosen and then that could have a backlash, that part of the public might find themselves excluded or not included in the decisions that are made as a result of the voting. If they were to stand up and make a decision early on, then there wouldn’t be any dispute.”
TV and film star Ashley Walters told us ‘’Young people should vote because their votes count you know even if you don’t have an opinion or you don’t agree with whatever is there you can abstain…but I mean in it’s own right that is a vote…that is you having your own opinion, and it’s counted. I think yeah definitely if you want things to change we have to come to the table as well and you know I think young people are having an issue with the government and authority at the moment and if they want to address those issues this is the right way to do it. So go and see what’s out there for you and give it a chance, see what you think, and if it makes sense do it.’’ soon to be big Princess Nyah added ‘’I think young people should vote because it really does make a difference. I think the population of young people in the United Kingdom it’s just crazy…there’s a lot of us. And I think if we all get together and we all vote it will definitely make a huge difference. I don’t think that a lot of young people believe that their vote does make a huge difference but it’s power in numbers. You see everyday in the news a town in another country has overturned some kind of rule or you know a law that they’re not happy with and I think that young people need to understand that there’s loads of us…there’s loads of us put there and if we stand together and we all make a choice then we are definitely will be able to make a difference’’.
Magic man Dynamo urged ”come and register to vote at the rally on the 14th – use the power of your vote to make a real change. Without a vote you have no voice! i know young people can make things happen-we need to dispel the illusion that you have no power!”
Final word went to LONDON360 ambassador Noel Clarke who voiced ‘’Make sure you vote, a lot of politicians don’t tell the truth and do what they’re going to do, make sure your voice is heard at all times, its your human right, it can affect your credit rating for mobile phones and mortgages-use your vote-make a change’’.
Now I’m telling you all, we made a change in our music charts with our movement. Now its time for all the young un’s to show what else you can change for your lives! after all, if you stand for nothing- you’ll fall for anything.

#YOUTH VOTE LONDON CELEBRITY TRAILER

YOUTH VOTE LONDON
watch to see why your vote counts and makes a difference to the way you live!.

JASMINE WITH ANGEL AT THE V INSPIRED AWARDS.
The week began with London’s music fans trotting down to the 02 Arena where drake was performing (more on that in next week’s juice).
Tuesday was my girl Mariah’s birthday and so in honour of a diva friend, I decided the best way to celebrate a Queens ‘’anniversary’’ as she likes it to be known as, was to spend the day doing things that made me feel like a diva. I started at the celeb hair salon 3V in Notting Hill Gate to get my hair done. Always dangerous as hair technicians Julian and Melissa like to ply their clients with flutes of champagne. I try to focus on the glossy mags and not the other celebs sitting alongside me which is always tough as I gawp at major household names who are getting their hair extensions freshened up and so forth. Alas I know Julian would ban me from the salon should I name-drop any names so I’ll stop here.
Wednesday night I took my colleagues and boss for cocktails at the Ivy members club in town. Always a great experience as the door, reception and bar staff treat you like a long lost friend on every occasion and the drinks and food are the best in town. Once again I like to observe which celebs are sat near the piano in the piano bar as there are usually a few merry superstars having a singsong with a cocktail in hand. Alas, once again, I’m dying to spill a few Hollywood star names and UK household characters but I know the owner Richard Caring would slap my wrist and ban me so its lips shut. I will say though that seeing a style icon, with a big fashion house fashion designer, a supermodel and a business legend that is a British household name singing along to the tinkling of the piano was something I wont forget in a hurry!

JASMINE AT PARLIAMENT WITH BITE THE BALLOTS INSIDE MAN PETE LESNIAK AND TORY BIGWIG SHAUN BAILEY.
Thursday night all roads led to Parliament for the YOUTH VOTE LONDON pre-rally soiree for taste makers and power players that make decisions for young people in the city of London alongside the MP’s and reporters- we were all reminded as to why its important to attend the YOUTH VOTE LONDON registration rally at Ministry of Sound in Elephant and Castle on April 14th to learn why your vote counts. You’ll be told by major names in the industry. An organization called BITE THE BALLOT hold regular ballots for young people in parliament where they meet and discuss their political issues with the MP’s. This made brilliant viewing-I attended one last week where former youth worker and tory bigwig Shaun Baily and others chaired a debate with young people. The opinions and debate were fascinating to watch. Youth have a lot of passion and these young people are our future. I only wish there had been opportunities like this for me to go to Parliament with my mates as a youngster and speak to politicians and talk about what mattered to us. The opportunities are here for you all now. Use them. www.bitetheballot.co,uk

JASMINE WITH DANIELLE BROWN AT THE V INSPIRED AWARDS.
My favourite things in the last week though were going to the V Inspired awards at the BFI on the South Bank where comedian/radio host Eddie Kadi and presenter Emma Griffiths were hosting the night that celebrates young people that volunteer and give back to their communities by doing great things. Most of these youth have achieved more by the ages of 25 than most of us will in a lifetime. In the pre-show reception I sipped a cocktail and tasted the delicacy’s like steak and wedges nibbles (which were mouth watering!) with my pal Danielle Brown who was sporting a gorgeous gold mini dress, as we watched all the movers and shakers get papped and interviewed before the show started.
The night was kicked off by an opening performance by Angel and Wretch32. Angel was good and I’m sure with a little more confidence on stage where he talks to his audience between tracks will live up to his full potential. However once Wretch32 joined him onstage for their song ‘’Go in, go hard’’ though their duet was electric. The young people that collected their awards from them were pretty chuffed too.
Awards were presented by many including my mate and one time TV presenter Trevor Nelson who was looking sharper than a razor in his black suit, SBTV’s main man Jamal Edwards who read his inspirational speech from his blackberry which I teased him about (a true modern tech man LOL), the Stooshe girls looked loud and colourful and I wondered if their talent would match? I was happy to see it did with their vocals and stage set being very strong and well rehearsed. So well in fact that you’d think they’d been around for years. Their heels were extremely vertiginous and backstage we spotted and giggled as one of the ladies tripped as she attempted to strut in them. Oh I’m a meanie. I expect big things from these ladies-its so good to see the ladies taking over the charts now. (Sidebar- Congrats to Dominique young unique on signing her global Sony deal this past week!). Bigger congrats to the following who blew my mind.
Winner -Best new volunteer: Zoe Burden, from Lowestoft, has been volunteering for Brighter Futures for the past year, taking children in care on day-trips and giving them opportunities to socialize – a cause very close to Zoe’s heart as she is currently living in supported accommodation and has, herself, been in care for the last three years.
• Winner -All round commitment to volunteering: Danika Hamilton, from Hulme, is a passionate and committed volunteer who credits volunteering with changing the course of her own life. Having experienced coping with homelessness and depression, volunteering has given her focus and determination to help others
• Winner-Bringing communities together: Joanna Mayes, from Biggleswade, volunteers for NACRO as a football coach. She has overcome a very traumatic time in her past and feels that volunteering has helped her along her road to recovery
• Winner- Team Activity: The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers programme team in North Tyneside takes on a large group of young people drinking in a local park on Friday nights by setting up street football sessions
• Winner- Outstanding Contribution by a Youth Worker: Barry Clark, from Hatfield, has been working at the Hatfield centre for more than 40 years, providing a variety of volunteering activities for young people depending on their interests
• Winner- Most Outstanding NCS Team: Harrow National Citizen’s Service (NCS) team aims to promote a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society by bringing young people from different backgrounds together to make a difference in their communities.
A very humble Tinchy Stryder closed the show with a very impressive se with his DJ Spyro. It’s easy to forget just how many hit songs this young act has had but the whole audience full of kids and adults were up on their feet singing to track after track. A true sign of an artist that’s about his music as opposed to hype. His onstage performance has come on leaps and bounds too- very impressive. a great night that made me start researching about where I could possibly volunteer- do any of you volunteer anywhere I might be able to join you? Let me know.

NYAH AT HER SHOWCASE WITH MATE WRETCH32.
Straight after the V Inspired Awards myself and others like Wretch32 raced down to West London nightclub YoYo where Princess Nyah was performing a short set.
It was a great first live performance of the year, where she sang all her new material and it was very well received, the support from the artists in the venue was monumental too. Her frriends that turned out to support her included wretch 32, Adot, Cleo Sol, Target , manga and more which Nyah told me made her ‘’feel really warm! ‘’’
An excited just off-stage Nyah breathlessly gushed “It felt good to be back home at YoYo’s, the vibe here is a performers dream, and the support from my fellow Artists did not go un noticed – #TeamUk!!”
The overall night was great and packed, the crowd seemed to levitate mostly towards Soldier, Artillery and Around the world in my set, and like a true MTV star she was filming a day in the life! Nyah’s good mates with Future the Prince (Drakes DJ) who was DJ’ing on the same bill, which rounded the night of nicely!
Now I’m off to plan my fancy dress party- theme; OLD SKOOL HIPHOP. How classic will this be? My last big party’s saw practically the whole of #teamuk dressed as Motown legends, usher drank loads of Cristal, Lennox Lewis insisted and didn’t get a VIP area, Joe made the ladies gush. Time o go get my Lil Kim / Foxy Brown look together!

JASMINE WITH THE PRESIDENT-BIRTHDAY BOY WRETCH32!
Did you all celebrate your mothers last weekend? I hope so! (But isn’t it always a bit of a nightmare? last minute cards, over-priced flowers and restaurants and traffic? I was very over ambitious in that I spent Friday night at wretch32’s birthday party at a nightclub in Jermyn street in the centre of town, got in at 5am the next morning-had planned a dinner party the Saturday night at mine and then again on Sunday night as well as promised our west London home girl Estelle to be at her new album launch party for ALL OF ME at aura on Sunday night too.
I actually, for the first time ever, begged forgiveness from Saturdays guests as I casually threw out ‘’oh tonight I thought we’d have take out Chinese with a bottle of champagne’’. I saw our guests faces drop as they looked at me horrific that for once I wouldn’t be cooking up a storm, and then dropped the bombshell ‘’we cant drink, one of us is pregnant’’. awkward.com. The Chinese came. It was bad. And expensive KMT. But we did have fun. Moral of the story? If inviting peeps over for dinner-MAKE them dinner! The next night I got my domestic goddess on and made a full roast Dotiwala style with an ethnic twist- herbed up mac & cheese and savoury Yorkshires with a whole chicken stuffed with garlic, chilli and ginger!
Can you imagine what sort of mess I was in on Monday morning? No really-you cant!
I struggled through Monday and then on Tuesday hit City Hall with hundreds of young people for the SPRIT OF LONDON nominations launch party. Ashley Walters performed and spoke inspirationally about the power of young people; SBTV’s main lady Georgia hosted the event in her kooky posh street slanguage style that’s really her brand and no-one else’s lol, spoken word poet Dean Atta performed with passion, as did many other young people- the youth dance troops were on fire, they revealed the awards this year will be held in November at Wembley Arena. Last years sell out venue at the Royal Albert Hall in front of a host of celebs and thousands of youth was amazing so look out for that!

JASMINE WITH PR MAVEN VANESSA AMADI AND SUGABABE ORIGINAL LEAD-KEISHA BUCHANAN.
The party of the year so far- and I cant see any others taking his crown for now- was as mentioned above the birthday soiree for the Tottenham champ they call Wretch32. Held at a nice club basement in central London, the venue was full early into the night with loads of ladies who had turned up early to guarantee their two-step gyrating spot.. Wretch’s invitation specified that the theme was ‘’presidents and first ladies’’ so I had slithered into a fitted knee length white Victoria Beckham frock, some classic classy nude Chrissy Lou shoes, a pearl necklace strung around my neck, and my hair piled into a high 1st lady beehive. Well. Imagine my face when I swanned into the party and not one person had respected their host’s request to follow the theme! I did spot a Marilyn Monroe and an Arabian prince and Preeya Kalidas did wear a prim cute black classy 1st lady frock but aside from that there were numerous scantily clad ladies in barely butt skimming dresses. I thought disgustedly ‘’I didn’t think Michelle Obama would ever be rocking these garms!’’ but it was all worth it as many commented on how fly the outfit was. The wonderful thing about the party was that EVERYONE in the #teamuk mould was present to support and have fun. I’ve been to a lot of artists parties in my time but the love and positive energy that wretch and his team brought to that room I wish I could’ve bottled!. Everyone was having a manic party time. it was the usual rammed affair at the door with many waiting outside for a couple of hours to get in. luckily I was scooted in quickly. All the males were dressed to the 9’s in their slick efforts at being presidential. Ladies-I gotta say it, as much as I am #teamlady, you’ll let the side down. Nibbles were passed around. on the 1’s and 2’s was regular celeb party DJ- bringing the hottest street heat to the function-DJ Manny Norte-the name you can trust (look out for him-big things are just about to pop off more commercially for this guy).
The number of acts that turned out to pay respect to north London’s finest-wretch was incredible. Kano looked as handsome as ever and played the cool smiling pres,
I nearly didn’t recognise both G-FRSH and Ghetts in their suits-they looked hot. Also undercover in a new look was Hackneys finest- Ms Leona Lewis who many didn’t recognise with her dark hair, geeky specs and French beret-I thought she looked very sophisticated and was really getting her dance on.
The party was clearly where I was at cos Leona and Jamelia were winding down in front of me with Keisha Buchannan. Jamelia had a real party that night-it was good to see her let go and just enjoy around trusted friends. Keisha looked stunning in her tiny black frock and had a lot of the men’s attention, as did new young hottie Princess Nyah in her mini cutout body con dress. Bashy was stood directly behind me on the sofa dancing and jumping hard in his president suit, no socks and sneakers-he was casual pres.
J2k was swagging hard with his boys; the heartthrob of the grimy world- scorcher was literally fighting the girls off. It’s those cute dimples, baby face and tall manly physique that had the ladies losing control. About to blow big west London hottie and ROC NATION signee Rita Ora was macking a mans sharp cut beige suit and the night was rocking.
Wretch had a pyramid of cupcakes and he himself was rocking a tweed suit with braces and dickie bow tie-so sweet! He was a charming host and greeted all his guests whilst still jamming hard and taking photos with all. a great night full of much love and friendship. Salute wretch on your great graft and movements so far- we all adore your work ethic, charm and talent. Onwards and upwards birthday boy!

This past week has been a crazier social whirl than ever-weeks like this are seen usually only around music awards and the such!

JASMINE WITH MEGA-SO SOLID’S MAIN MAN!
Monday I had a hearty Greek dinner with BET news host-the gorgeous Sharon carpenter who was in her hometown of London for a minute before heading back to the states. Sharon has done amazingly over the years. I watched her career go from strength to strength as she upped sticks from the UK to USA and is now a household name out there. I’m always particularly impressed by the fact that she’s a smart, professional journalist that focuses on more serious pro-social showbiz stories (aside from the odd stint where she’s done some crazy Aneka style madness LOL!). Sharon is also on a variety of American networks and will hopefully be back on our UK screens too.
Tuesday saw me at the architectural magnificence that is Somerset house. a great beautiful building in the center of London that hosts a number of summer music festivals and so much else. I was there to watch a screening of a film made by young people after last years riots titled FROM RIOT FROM WRONG, which was made in conjunction with FULLY FOCUSED PRODUCTIONS. The film was brilliant. The youth that made it clearly had personal in-roads to the residents in totenham and mark duggans family and were able to piece a brilliant one hour story together that repeatedly showed the unfair police and family scenario played out alongside disenchanted young people. It would be great to see the film get a terrestrial showing soon!
Wednesday I wet myself laughing. No. Truly. A few girl friends and I went to PEOPLES QUESTION TIME at Hammersmith town hall- having been invited by Boris Johnson and his mayoral London assembly. To be clear this is NOT the same as the TV show question time. This is a massive ballroom full of people all throwing questions to Boris and his political peers. The event was well organized, the running order printed on beautiful pamphlets, a nicer class of people in attendance. Oh how wrong my initial perceptions were!. No sooner had the first area of discussion (policing and safety) started than there was ruckus heckling, the middle and upper class toff females were yelling blue murder at the stage, screaming through Boris’ answers and the dissing comments were flowing from Politian to politician with more venom that Nas and Jay-Z’s ether days! Audience were shouting ‘’bumbling Boris!’’. Boris was yelling ‘’ you are squatting like Buddha’’ to green party leader jenny jones (yeah I guess it must be a known diss in that other world LOL). It was utter pandemonium! Add to that the occupy London protesters who had spread themselves throughout the audience and who just suddenly stood up and yelled their manifesto too and it was a right ole ding dong!. The girls and I thought there was more abuse and heckling than at boxing matches we had attended-and they are vile! it was great entertainment and brain fodder. Chiswick residents were screaming about the new high speed rail link that’s attempting to demolish their homes and community, shepherds bush shop keepers were up in arms at their council allowing property developers to shut them down after generations of trading-it was a proper argy bargy!
Thursday night I legged it up to BAFTA to see Freddie Kruga’s debut film titled BLUD and Friday was Tottenhams finest/ chart star Wretch32 very private party-so private the location details weren’t sent out until midday on the day of the party! The theme was presidents and first ladies-yep-I got my long gown game on!

Whilst London’s urban music scene is thriving both in the UK and internationally there are still issues that we haven’t managed to conquer. The 696 form by the met police which requires that club owners and promoters must fill in this form for any urban music event or event which might have an urban music star in attendance has started affecting peoples livelihoods and careers. The form is supposed to keep club goers safe. We all know about south London hero Giggs who’s career seems to have been single handedly stopped at every turn by police who don’t want him to perform live anywhere. As a role model to many-seeing him able to perform may encourage youth that there is a life after crime and negativity-the 696 form has stopped that notion. So Solid Crew was targeted a decade ago and to this day they are stopped at many venues from performing. This form affects any urban acts from black, white and Asian communities. If you’ve had any association with gangs in the past this form will stop you performing and attending live events. Lawyer Shamik Dutta is taking the met to court over this form, which he cites as racist. However not all people feel bad about it. Twice as Nice CEO and legend Steve Gordon values it as keeping his club venue and patrons safe. He argues ‘’ “I’m not one of these fly by night promoters that wants to give it the large in the VIP, I want to look after you-“If you have a record of firearms and that means your going to be searched when you arrive and maybe before you go on stage I don’t see the problem if you have something to hide I don’t want to work with you”.
Michael Lawrence from the Coda Agency said ‘’some of these acts are big enough to be on channel reality shows –Romeo- Big Brother, Harvey- The Games, BBC1 and Channel 4 stars like Ashley Walters (Top Boy and Inside Men) and so on…but its when these pop acts come together in London they cant be trusted apparently’’. Trident chair women Claudia Webbe said ‘’far too often its being used by police and licensing authority’s as what some would argue as a focus in on the black community in particular, it is disproportionate to clubs that draw a black audience’’.
And Skitz said: “If you look at the audience of a lot of these grime nights its middle class white kids” . Jo Dipple chief exec of UK MUSIC said ‘’I think its shocking they still use this form in London, we have campaigned to the mayors office to have it dropped and will continue until it is’’.

It was fascinating to hear from So solid leader Megaman who has experienced this from the beginning. He agreed ‘’ if you’ve been affiliated with gangs then the 696 form will prevent you from performing and moving forwards you’re going to be disheartened and forced to return to the negativity you were involved in before’’. Mega recalled the days pre the form ‘’ I’ve only had to deal with that 696 form since 2006 getting a few of my artists into events, before then there wasn’t a 696 sixth form, just no So Solid, or no Mega or no Romeo. Legally it’s not lawful to stop artists performing in a club so they had to bring in some sort of legal form of doing it and the 696 form was an excuse I feel to prevent artist from progressing. For the last six years now I’ve had lots of artist wanting to book So Solid artists in key areas in London we thought we could never perform in again i.e. Brixton or South East London, 9 Elms Lane, Vauxhall, Ministry of Sound, we thought we couldn’t perform in these places. After a while began performing in these places, put it this way, I’ve had certain conversations with promoters, and they’ve all put this risk assessment form and it’s like sometime you pass it and sometimes you don’t’’.

Mega is adamant that more compassion and forgiveness is needed ‘’I say to the police that we all have children and if your child makes a mistake you don’t turn your back on him, you look after that child and every child on this earth has a mother and father just like everyone else out there so when your preventing him or not given them that opportunity to excel and become something of themselves it’s very disappointing. On the police stand point I would say a small part of it is down to racism, a small part of it is down to not allowing gang affiliate artists to be in certain clubs. They say if it were predominantly white crowds it would be more fistfights, if it were a predominantly black crowd it would be weapons’’.
Asked if he feels the police are institutionally racist Mega is firm ‘’Yes, as a black individual I’ve travelled the world I’ve been to Cyprus, Dubai,, America, the only place I don’t feel I’ve been hit with racism is Africa, it’s the only place and I’ve been to France, Germany, Amsterdam many different places and I still feel a hint of it and me as a young black guy I’m trying to come to terms with it, I’m not sure where to pin point it or where it stands but it’s a problem worldwide’’.
‘’Really it’s the responsibility of the club owner and security to secure your venue, whoever walks throughout that door you can search them right down to their socks, it’s your due restriction. When the artists leave the club it’s down to the police to police the venue outside.. Getting involved in this risk assessment form is like saying, it might happen it might not happen but lets stop it anyway and it’s like football it never gets stopped, regardless, football never gets stopped and that’s big business and music should be in that same bracket because music is big business. A lot of corporate companies like Universal, EMI, Warner Bros are signing a lot of these acts from Giggs to Sneak Bo, and a lot of these acts that are from or have been affiliated with gangs in the past and there signed to mayor deals now and a lot of these companies need to turnover revenue, they’re contracted to turnover revenue for these companies so I’m not sure how lawful it is to prevent artists like that from performing and adhering to their contract’’.

Mega does however admit that he’s not totally against the 696 form ‘’This is me speaking today, if you asked me this 10 years ago you’d have a different answer but if you ask me today we need something in place, a lot of young people get into music and we don’t really understand the opportunity we’re in and the greatness that we’re in, we can speak about whatever we want to talk about whether it’s drugs, firearms or whatever particularly doing that we should actually get some space to breathe and to just create music. To me something should be in its place, I don’t think it needs to be abolished totally but we need to monitor how it’s being used’’.
so what do you think readers? is the 696 form good for us black music lovers? Get online at THE VOICE Entertainment section and lets discuss!.

JASMINE WITH INDEPENDENT MAYORAL CANDIDATE SIOBHAN BENITA (does Green Party’s Jenny Jones look peeved that Siobhan got the most youth applause?).
Last night I attended peoples question time alongside Boris Johnson at Hammersmith Town Hall, the night before I caught an amazing new film made by youth after last summers riots –it was shown at Somerset House and called ‘’ Riot from Wrong’’. Tonight ,music man and man about town-Freddie Kruga has invited me to see the industry viewing of his debut film BLUD at the very prestigious BAFTA- before which I will scoot in and out of a very fashionista event at the Herve Leger Knightsbridge store which was held in honour of International Women’s Day –March 8th- what a week of diverse fabulosity!
On a weeknight hundreds of young people made their way down to channel 4 headquarters in St James to take part in an event called ‘’UpRise’’. UpRise was an event put on by the UpRise team, who used to put on the annual UpRise anti-racism festival in an East London park for years before it’s funding was cut. Not to be outdone the team now continues making positive moves with one off events that empower different sets of people in various communities. This one was about our cities youth. All the mayoral candidates had been invited to sit on a panel and talk to youth about their policies, as may 3rd and Election Day draws ever closer for the mayors London seat. Originally Ken Livingstone had confirmed to attend and then at the last minute pulled out ‘’ as Boris wasn’t coming’’. Both Boris and Ken sent their deputies which didn’t go down well with all attending and the youth heckled and booed the stand in’s that could barely answer any youth related question. at one point my LONDON360 reporter Maleena Pone asked ‘’can you all name 3 youth organisations that you regularly work with and talk about them?’’. Do you know that Boris’ stand in Richard Barnes said ‘’ah come and see me at city hall tomorrow and I’ll tell you’’? WTF!? What a plonker!. As one attendee yelled ‘’why should we speak to the monkeys-when we want the organ grinder!’’ 10 young people from a variety of London youth orgs were asked to ask the candidates specific questions. The 10 were from LONDON360, MEDIA TRUST, REPREZENT RADIO, SOLA, BSIX 6TH FORM COLLEGE, ELEVATION NETWORKS, LIVES NOT KNIVES, FYI, HYPE, 2 FINGERS TO VIOLENCE. Each asked their questions and then bizarrely, hosts Bonnie Greer and a very pregnant Konnie Huq asked theirs without the panel ever answering the youth!? The audience was perplexed and angry and the debate became heated. Bonnie wasn’t asking anything that interested the attending youth and before you knew it the event was over much to the frustration of the young people and myself. One great thing though was that independent candidate Siobhan Benita won the youths hearts by her heartfelt, very natural clearly youth engaged speeches. it was disgusting that Boris and Ken didn’t think enough of London’s youth to bother attending-apparently according to their stand in’s it’s a 2 horse race and they aren’t bothered with neither the other candidates or the youths opinions. With the urban youth of this country we have managed to change our music scene around to dominate our charts-do you think we could do this with politics and show government they cant continue to ignore the youth vote? It’s a vicious circle…the politicians don’t canvas or cater to youth cos youth don’t use their vote, youth don’t use their vote cos they think they have no power and cant make a difference, youth don’t vote so local boroughs have no record of the correct number of youth in their borough therefore cutting youth focused costs, youth have no resources in their local area and so move to frustration and say no one cares about them, youth cant get mortgages, car insurance and a multitude of other things as they now have no credit rating as they’re not registered..……election day is may 3rd-will London’s youth prove that government must now listen to them? Lets see.

JASMINE WITH AFRIBEATS CHAMP DJ ABRANTEE AND COMEDIAN SLIM.

JASMINE WITH ”MR DOMINICA” EDDIE NESTOR.

JASMINE WITH KAT BOYCE (MTV BASE/ CHOICEFM/ A THEATRE NEAR YOU! LOL!)

Saturday night wild horses couldn’t have dragged me away from Hackney Empire where Gee-Stor Productions were putting on what was described as urban comedians all discussing one common theme-the sex factor! I invited the whole LONDON360 reporting team and we all made a group night of it! I knew this wasn’t one to be missed!. Hosted by my old dance partner, MTV Base presenter and friend Kat Boyce the show did not disappoint. As expected the theatre was full from the stalls to the upper circle and comics like Kane Brown, Kevin J, Glenda Jackson and my favorite comic-Slim!. Each set from the comics was side splittingly hilarious, especially when at different intervals the ladies would be laughing raucously at their men and vica versa as the comedians spoke of every day stories and situations regards sex that we could all relate to. Every few seconds me and my better half would slap each other knowingly or cut an evil eye at one another in amusement. Kat is an absolutely natural as a host and the crowd clearly adore him-he should have his own TV show!. A GREAT MOMENT WAS WHEN BBC RADIO LONDON PRESENTER EDDIE NESTOR PERFORMED HIS ACT AS ‘’MR DOMINICA’’-AN ACT I NEVER KNEW EXISTED AND WAS JAW DROPPINGLY CRAZY-FUNNY-MAD!. He mimicked an elderly Dominican gent with all the Dominican isms like ‘’sallop and doo-doo’’ and hosted a version of blind date where a lovely lady had to choose a gent from a panel of 3. The visual antics of watching these 3 totally up for it contestants had to be seen to be believed! Gyrating hips attempting to whack tennis balls hanging from string, dancing and…. wait for it…. pole dancing!. When I first read that pole dancing was on the bill like any prude like straight backed decent lady I was dismissive but it was included in a fantastic way! An extremely lithe bodied dancer demonstrated 3 moves that the males had to copy to see how strong they were-it was visual comedy heaven! Kat ran onstage in a male shorts unitard and had the ladies in the crowd fainting, wolf whistling and all sorts! A great show with so many unique moments-well worth the money!

JASMINE WITH YOLANDA BROWN.
Another hectic fortnight in the diary of a media maven like myself!
I began it attending with my team at the BFI, the National film school graduation screening of films where one of my former CDN mentee’s Abigail Dankwa was showing her graduation work- The House: Beats and Tweets, a TV Entertainment MA film-and an amazing piece of content it was-so proud! Onwards and upwards to the whole graduating class

Next I took my current LONDON360 young news reporting team to ITV to meet a great TV man who has championed diversity in the industry for years- Robin Elias!

The whole team also attended the Uprise event at Channel 4 where 10 young Londoners from various youth corporations and youth organisations grilled the upcoming London Mayoral candidates on a panel in the presence of 250 audience members. more on that next week!

JASMINE WITH NEW GIRL TO LOOK OUT FOR-RUBY GOE!
Midweek all roads led to west London grimy club venue YoYo’s to see new female musician Ruby Goe perform a short set. Thursday nights at YoYo are famous for hosting new up and coming artists on the UK music scene and Ruby was worth making the late midweek trip out in the cold for. I had already heard a lot of buzz about the surrey-based lass with Nigerian roots. Ruby has had reviews in many of the mainstream press columns including the guardian and been described as the ‘’M.I.A with hooks and songs’’ so I had to go check her out. She was scheduled to hit the stage at 9.20pm, and shockingly she was! (Love a punctual act!). In the house were a number of record label heads including the late Amy Winehouse manager Raye Cosbert. She performed a few tracks- with the most Duracell powered energy I have seen in a long time. Her outfit was simple and real and consisted of sneakers, lycra skirt and t shirt. She was a unusually powerful vocally considering her small frame and I was pleasantly surprised to find she didn’t sound like she was mimicking another female act. Usually when observing new acts you can usually align them to sounding like they’ve been influenced by others before them but Ruby genuinely had a wide range of unique sounding tracks. Some were ballads; others were high-energy festival anthems- a really impressive set! Later that week I caught her on BBC2’s Review Show where she sung a ballad and the show reported back a great response to her! Will she be the latest in a long line of African rooted Londoners making it big this year? I’d bet on it!

I was invited to see female saxophonist star Yolanda Brown perform at the Hammersmith Apollo with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. That was impressive! I’ve watched this young lady come up through the years, grinding at the craft, doing numerous small shows at legendary jazz venues like Ronnie Scott’s etc and win a MOBO award. She continues to generate a huge underground fan base of real cultured music lovers and as testament to this fact her 2 Hammersmith dates saw packed houses. Its not often I go to something this classy in the music genre so I took the biggest celeb in my life-my mum-and William MacLauchlan-who was my boss and VP when I was at MTV. We enjoyed a pre-show dinner up the road at LALA and then were ushered into our seats –I always request stalls-I like to be near the action. Sat alongside us on one side were ACLT hero’s Orin Lewis and Beverly De-Gale, Damilola Taylor’s father Richard Taylor OBE and MBE and superintendent of MET Police-Leroy Logan. On other side were actress Judith Jacobs and DJ Spoony that was the maddest heckler all throughout the show and had us all entertained! Also entertained in the audience were Ashley Walters, MP Dawn Butler, PR goddess Jessica Huie, ChoiceFM presenter Kojo, Jamaica’s High Commissioner for the UK, Anthony Johnson and many more.

Yolanda’s set was fabulous! Most of the audience were smartly groomed and watched in awe as Yolanda took us through track after track accompanied by her side kick-THAT SAX!
She performed both covers and unique material and was joined by an powerhouse vocalist that has sung alongside James Brown called Phebe Edwards
and the Nigerian saxophonist, Mike Aremu who just TORE up the stage!! The crowd were on their feet as the 2-sax mystro’s had what can only be described as a ‘’sax-off’’
In the interval I went backstage to congratulate her on the wonderful show so far and as I entered her dressing room. I curtseyed to her and bowed to her Sax.
At one point in the second half of the show Yolanda’s pianist Oscar proposed to his girl friend onstage- it was brilliantly set up and so exciting to witness and she said yes-aw! Love was certainly in the air that night! Yolanda has truly mastered how to make her art visually exciting and her onstage presence is mesmerising. The fact that she was joined throughout by the legendary Royal Philharmonic was fascinating to watch-the juxtaposition of the 2 were unique and a step forward for true musicians. Yolanda certainly leads the classical music team for #TEAMUK! Post show as I was taking a memorable photo of myself and mummy at the press board-Yolanda walked by and jumped into the pic too- but that photo stays private for fam! Mummy and I had a beautiful night- a lifelong memory-catch Yolanda where you can- a show for the whole family-you wont be disappointed!

JASMINE LOOKING AS IF SHE’S BEEN SHRUNK IN THE WASH , STANDING ALONGSIDE 2 JA SUPERMODELS- JAUNEL MCKENZIE AND NELL ROBINSON.
I ended the week at a final celebratory private dinner for the Caribbean Collections at London Fashion Week exhibition honouring fashion & musical icon Grace Jones that was hosted by Jamaican supermodels Jaunel McKenzie and Jeneil Williams (of iconic all-black Italian Vogue fame). I foolishly agreed to take a photo with them when PR goddess Jessica Huie suggested it– how crazy is the pic! I look like I was shrunk in the wash!

JASMINE WITH BBC RADIO LONDON DRIVETIME GURU AND DESIGNER JULIETTE DYKE
The dinner was the final element of a two-day exhibition of the ‘Caribbean Collections’ at London fashion Week. it was Chris Mcnair of CEDA (The Caribbean Export Development Agency) and Jampro (Jamaica Promotions Corporation ) who were responsible for making the Caribbean Collections exhibition at London Fashion Week happen so hats off to all their hard work and commitment!
A cocktail reception greeted us as we entered the very opulent, dramatic surroundings of the sumptuous Corinthia Hotel just off the Embankment. Imagining this was going to be a ballroom full of fashion folk and media I was pleasantly surprised to find a very intimate group of VIPs including music act Bruno Marrs had been invited to sit at dinner whilst various fashion collections were modeled as we ate amongst the diners.

MODEL WEARING JULAN
The creme of the island’s fashion design talent were sat amongst us including designers I first met last year at Tobago fashion week in Tobago. These included my favourites on the night; Gavin Douglas’ all black capsule collection, Mei Ling’s very European muted classic colours collection and designer Juliette Dyke of the ‘Julan’ collection of amazingly tropical coloured long gowns. I also bumped into the Caribbean version of me- girl about the islands, columnist and journo Novia McDonald-Whyte in her very striking white framed Gucci specs!
I was most excited that one of my favourite radio presenters-Eddie Nestor was sat next to me too. Eddie is a brilliant courageous broadcaster that really questions the status quo and the BBC are really lucky to have such a sharp well rounded knowledgeable man on their team- I am sure though by the end of the meal he was delighted to get away from me rabbiting on and on and on.
They had all traveled to the UK to exhibit and illustrate the talent, which the islands have to contribute to the wider fashion industry.
The whole evening was hosted in magnificently regal form by fashion mogul, Chairman of the Caribbean Fashion Industry Association, Kingsley Cooper and I have no doubt that this is the first of many a Caribbean designers foray into the European market!